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Abstract:

According to an aspect of the disclosure, an energy management system and
method includes managing energy use of a site comprising the steps of:
acquiring a network device data from a network device joined to a
wireless energy network; translating the network data into device report
data comprised of at least one Java based object; detecting an interval
to generate a site report of the wireless energy network; translating the
device report data into site report data comprised of XML formatted data;
and generating the site report including the site report data at the
interval. A wireless energy network communication device is configured to
communicate with a wireless energy network and a processor is operably
coupled to the wireless energy communication device and configured to
perform the steps of managing energy use of the site.

Claims:

1. A method of managing energy use of a site comprising the steps of:
acquiring a network device data from a first network device joined to a
first wireless energy network; detecting an availability of a second
wireless energy network; detecting a second network device joined to a
second wireless energy network; acquiring network device data from the
second network device using the second wireless energy network;
translating the first and second network device data into first and
second device report data comprised of at least one Java based object;
detecting an interval to generate a site report of the wireless energy
networks; translating the first and second device report data comprised
of the Java based object into first and second site report data comprised
of XML formatted data; generating the site report including the first and
second site report data at the interval.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: detecting an
updated interval to generate the site report, wherein the updated
interval is determined in response to a detection of a location reporting
device being at a distance from the site using one of the wireless energy
networks; wherein the generating includes generating the site report
using the updated interval; and wherein the acquiring includes acquiring
the network device data using a device reporting interval, wherein the
device reporting interval is greater than the updated interval.

3. (canceled)

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: generating the
site report using a wireless controller located at the site; connecting
to a server accessible to the wireless controller, wherein the connecting
is initiated by the wireless controller and establishes a secure network
connection between the wireless controller and the server; initiating a
request to transfer the site report to the server; receiving a response
from the server to initiate a communication including the site report;
detecting if at least one control action is available at the server;
requesting the control action be communicated from the server to the
wireless controller; receiving at least one control action from the
server to the wireless controller using the secure network connection;
and disconnecting the wireless controller and the server.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: connecting the wireless
controller to a network location when a site report may not be available;
detecting multiple control actions available; detecting an update
availability; enabling receipt of the multiple control actions from the
network location during the connection; and enabling receipt of the
update from the network location during the connection.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving the
site report at a network location having a site report processor;
processing the site report to detect a site data and the first and second
network device data; accessing the site data; accessing the first and
second network device data; detecting a ZigBee control action using the
first and second network device data; detecting if the ZigBee control
action should be used in response to processing the site report;
generating Zigbee control action device data to be used with at least one
of the network devices in response to detecting the ZigBee control action
should be used; generating a control action report that includes the
ZigBee control action device data; and queuing the control action report
to be communicated to a site using at least one of the network devices.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: wherein the
acquiring further includes acquiring one of the first and second network
device data using the corresponding wireless home energy network
configured as a ZigBee wireless network; wherein the network device data
includes ZigBee profile data of the network device; and wherein the
generating includes generating an XML formatted site report including the
XML formatted device data.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: establishing a
connection between a wireless controller and a network location capable
of providing access to at least a first control action; detecting an
availability of the first control action; receiving the first control
action that includes XML formatted control action data at the wireless
controller; detecting a first control action data within the XML
formatted control action data to be used by the first network device;
processing XML formatted control action data into Java based objects,
wherein the Java based objects are generated using ZigBee profile device
data of the first network device; translating the Java based objects to a
first ZigBee network device data, wherein the first ZigBee network device
data includes a first network device identifier, a ZigBee channel
identifier, and the first control action; and outputting the first ZigBee
network device data to the first wireless energy network.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: detecting a
second control action to be communicated to the second network device;
processing the XML formatted control data of the second control action
into Java based objects, wherein the Java based objects are generated
using a second ZigBee profile device data of the second network device;
translating the Java based objects to a second ZigBee network data,
wherein the second ZigBee network device data includes a second network
device identifier, the ZigBee channel identifier, and a second control
action; and outputting the second ZigBee network device data to the
second wireless energy network.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: detecting a
second control action data within the XML formatted control action data
to be used by the second network device; processing the XML formatted
control action data into Java based objects, wherein the Java based
objects are generated using a ZigBee profile device data of the second
network device; translating the Java based objects to a second ZigBee
network data, wherein the second ZigBee network device data includes a
second network device identifier and a second ZigBee channel identifier,
and a second control action; and outputting the second ZigBee network
device data to the second wireless energy network.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: accessing the first
wireless energy network using a first security level; disabling access to
the first wireless energy network; initiating access to the second
wireless energy network; and accessing the second wireless energy network
using a second security level, wherein the second security level is
different than the first security level.

13. An energy management system comprising: a wireless energy network
communication device configured to communicate with the first and second
wireless energy networks; and a processor operably coupled to the
wireless energy network communication device, wherein the processor is
configured to: access a first network device data acquired from a first
network device joined to the first wireless energy network; access a
second network device data acquired from a second network device joined
to the second wireless energy network; translate the first and second
network device data into first and second device report data comprised of
at least one Java based object; detect an interval to generate a site
report of the wireless energy networks; translate the first and second
device report data comprised of the Java based object into first and
second site report data comprised of XML formatted data; and generate the
site report including the first and second site report data at the
interval.

14. The energy management system of claim 13, wherein the processor is
further configured to: detect an updated interval to generate the site
report, wherein the updated interval is determined in response to a
detection of a location reporting device being at a distance from a site
using at least one of the wireless energy networks; generate the site
report using the updated interval; and acquire the first and second
network device data using a device reporting interval, wherein the device
reporting interval is greater than the updated interval.

16. The energy management system of claim 13, further comprising: a
network location including resources configured to receive the site
report at a network location; and a site report processor configured to:
process the site report to detect a site data and the first and second
network device data; access the site data; access the first and second
network device data; detect a ZigBee control action using the first and
second network device data; detect if the ZigBee control action should be
used in response to processing the site report; generate Zigbee control
action device data to be used with at least one of the network devices in
response to detecting the ZigBee control action should be used; generate
a control action report that includes the ZigBee control action device
data; and queue the control action report to be communicated to a site
having the network devices.

17. The energy management system of claim 13, further comprising: wherein
the wireless energy network communication device is further configured to
acquire one of the first and second network device data using the
corresponding wireless energy network configured as a ZigBee wireless
network; wherein the processor is further configured to: process the
network device data into at least one Java based object, wherein the Java
based object uses ZigBee profile data of the corresponding network
device; use the Java based object to output the network device data as
XML formatted device data; and generate an XML formatted site report
including the XML formatted device data.

18. The energy management system of claim 13, further comprising: a
wireless controller that includes: the processor; the wireless energy
network communication device; and an information network communication
device capable of establishing a connection between the wireless
controller and a network location capable of providing access to at least
a first control action; and wherein the wireless controller is further
configured to: detect an availability of the first control action;
receive the first control action that includes an XML formatted control
action data; detect a first control action data within the XML formatted
control action data to be used by the first network device; process XML
formatted control action data into Java based objects, wherein the Java
based objects are generated using ZigBee profile device data of the first
network device; translate the Java based objects to a first ZigBee
network device data, wherein the first ZigBee network device data
includes a first network device identifier, a ZigBee channel identifier,
and the first control action; and output the first ZigBee network device
data to the first wireless energy network.

19. The energy management system of claim 18, wherein the wireless
controller is further configured to: detect a second control action to be
communicated to the second network device; process the XML formatted
control data of the second control action into Java based objects,
wherein the Java based objects are generated using a second ZigBee
profile device data of the second network device; translate the Java
based objects to a second ZigBee network device data, wherein the second
ZigBee network device data includes a second network device identifier,
the ZigBee channel identifier, and a second control action; and output
the second ZigBee network device data to the second wireless energy
network.

20. The energy management system of claim 18, wherein the wireless
controller is further configured to: detect a second control action data
within the XML formatted control action data to be used by the second
network device; process the XML formatted control action data into Java
based objects, wherein the Java based objects are generated using a
ZigBee profile device data of the second network device; translate the
Java based objects to a second ZigBee network device data, wherein the
second ZigBee network device data includes a second network device
identifier, a second ZigBee channel identifier, and a second control
action; and output the second ZigBee network device data to the second
wireless energy network.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/840,142 entitled an "Energy Management System and
Method," filed on Jul. 20, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/840,169 entitled an "Energy Management System and
Method," filed on Jul. 20, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/840,059 entitled an "Energy Management System and
Method," filed on Jul. 20, 2010, "and a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/893,230 entitled an "Energy Management System and
Method," filed on Sep. 29, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/893,327 entitled an "Energy Management System and
Method," filed on Sep. 29, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/948,889 entitled an "Energy Management System and
Method," filed on Nov. 18, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/948,806 entitled an "Energy Management System and
Method," filed on Nov. 18, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/948,208 entitled an "Energy Management System and
Method," filed on Nov. 17, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/839,854 entitled an "Energy Management System and
Method," filed on Jul. 20, 2010, and a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/075,221 entitled a "Mobile Energy Management
System" filed on Mar. 30, 2011, and a continuation of co-pending PCT
Application Serial No. WO2011/011404 entitled an "Congestion Detection,
Curtailment, Storage, and Dispatch Module," filed on Jul. 20, 2010 which
all claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/255,678, entitled a "Proximity Based Home Energy Management System and
Method" and filed on Oct. 28, 2009, as well as U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/235,798 entitled an "Alternative Energy Asset
Management System with Intelligent Data Framework Capabilities", tiled on
Aug. 21, 2009.

[0003] Current energy management systems take a passive role to
residential energy management. For example, consumers lack energy
awareness and are typically left with having to evaluate a monthly bill
to determine how much energy was consumed. Additionally, consumers lack
transparency into what the leading causes of energy consumption are at
their residences. Some utility companies are providing energy display
only technologies that will allow consumers to see what the current price
of energy may be. However, such displays take a passive role to
conservation, and leaving it up to the consumer to manually curtail their
use.

[0004] In certain regions, information infrastructure is lacking to enable
utility companies and customers to access real-time energy consumption.
For example, some regions have smart meters that are capable measuring
and reporting consumption data. However, there is a lack of communication
and analytical infrastructure to allow utility companies to analyze
future demand and schedule energy production. For example, some utilities
are providing demand response systems that react to load levels, and
force curtailment on residential, industrial, and commercial customers.
Such programs have not been well received as they typically inconvenience
the end user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, elements illustrated in the Figures have not necessarily
been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
are exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating
teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect
to the drawings presented herein, in which:

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management system
and energy transmission system according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a energy management system operable to manage
energy at a site according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of managing energy at
a site according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0009]FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a controller according to an
aspect of the disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 5A illustrates a block diagram of a mobile device operable to
be used with an energy management system according to another aspect of
the disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 5B illustrates a block diagram of an energy management user
interface according to another aspect of the disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management system
according to another aspect of the disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an energy management user interface according to
an aspect of the disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an energy management system interface operable
to report energy usage and savings information according to a further
aspect of the disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates an energy management system interface operable
to access and edit user and site information according to a further
aspect of the disclosure;

[0016]FIG. 10 illustrates an energy management scheduling user interface
operable to schedule energy use at a residential site according to a
further aspect of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates an wireless thermostat user interface operable
according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a wireless thermostat
according to a further aspect of the disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of an energy network bridge
according to a further aspect of the disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of a demand response system
according to a further aspect of the disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of a aggregate demand schedule
system according to a further aspect of the disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 16 illustrates a now diagram of a method of managing energy
use at a residence according to a further aspect of the disclosure.

[0023] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings
indicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The following description in combination with the Figures is
provided to assist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The
following discussion will focus on specific implementations and
embodiments of the teachings. This focus is provided to assist in
describing the teachings and should not be interpreted as a limitation on
the scope or applicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can
certainly be utilized in this application. The teachings can also be
utilized in other applications and with several different types of
architectures such as distributed computing architectures, client/server
architectures, or middleware server architectures and associated
components.

[0025] Devices or programs that are in communication with one another need
not be in continuous communication with each other unless expressly
specified otherwise. In addition, devices or programs that are in
communication with one another may communicate directly or indirectly
through one or more intermediaries.

[0026] Embodiments discussed below describe, in part, distributed
computing solutions that manage all or part of a communicative
interaction between network elements. In this context, a communicative
interaction may be intending to send information, sending information,
requesting information, receiving information, receiving a request for
information, or any combination thereof. As such, a communicative
interaction could be unidirectional, bidirectional, multi-directional, or
any combination thereof. In some circumstances, a communicative
interaction could be relatively complex and involve two or more network
elements. For example, a communicative interaction may be "a
conversation" or series of related communications between a client and a
server--each network element sending and receiving information to and
from the other. The communicative interaction between the network
elements is not necessarily limited to only one specific form. A network
element may be a node, a piece of hardware, software, firmware,
middleware, another component of a computing system, or any combination
thereof.

[0027] For purposes of this disclosure, an energy management system,
network device, or any combination thereof can include any
instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute,
classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store,
display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form
of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control,
entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an energy management
system, network device, or any combination thereof can include any
combination of a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device,
a media device, a smart phone, a cellular or mobile phone, a smart
utility meter, an advanced metering infrastructure, a smart energy
device, an energy display device, a home automation controller, an energy
hub, a smart energy gateway, a set-top box, a digital media subscriber
system, a cable modem, a fiber optic enabled communications device, a
media gateway, a home media management system, a network server or
storage device, an energy substation, a vehicle charging station, a
renewable energy production device, a renewable energy control device, an
energy storage management system, a smart appliance, an HVAC system, a
water pump, a heat pump, a hot water heater, a thermostat, an energy
controller, an irrigation system, a lighting system, an alarm system, a
smart power outlet, an energy detection device, a power measurement
device, a power measurement unit (PMU), an air handler, a wireless air
damper, a humidity control system, a heat and motion sensing device, a
smart power outlet, a switch router, wireless router, or other network
communication device, or any other suitable device or system, and can
vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price.

[0028] According to an aspect, an energy management system can include
memory, one or more processing resources or controllers such as a central
processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic. Additional
components of the energy management system can include one or more
storage devices, one or more wireless, wired or any combination thereof
of communications ports to communicate with external devices as well as
various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse,
pointers, controllers, and display devices. The energy management system
can also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications
between the various hardware components, and can communicate using
wireline communication data buses, wireless network communication, or any
combination thereof As used herein, a wireless energy network can include
various types and variants of wireless communication configurable to
manage energy at a site, including associated protocols or enhancements
thereto including, but not limited to, any combination or portion of,
IEEE 802.15-based wireless communication, Zigbec communication, INSETEON
communication, X10 communication protocol, Z-Wave communication,
Bluetooth communication, WIFI communication, IEEE 802.11-based
communication, WiMAX communication, IEEE 802.16-based communication,
various proprietary wireless communications, or any combination thereof.

[0029] As described herein, a flow charted technique, method, or algorithm
may be described in a series of sequential actions. Unless expressly
stated to the contrary, the sequence of the actions and the party
performing the actions may be freely changed without departing from the
scope of the teachings. Actions may be added, deleted, or altered in
several ways. Similarly, the actions may be re-ordered or looped.
Further, although processes, methods, algorithms or the like may be
described in a sequential order, such processes, methods, algorithms, or
any combination thereof may be operable to be performed in alternative
orders. Further, some actions within a process, method, or algorithm may
be performed simultaneously during at least a point in time (e.g.,
actions performed in parallel), can also be performed in whole, in part,
or any combination thereof.

[0030] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes,"
"including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended
to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method,
article, system, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not
necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,
system, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,
"or" refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a
condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or
present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and
B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0031] Also, the use of "a" or "an" is employed to describe elements and
components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to
give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description
should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also
includes the plural, or vice versa, unless it is clear that it is meant
otherwise. For example, when a single device is described herein, more
than one device may be used in place of a single device. Similarly, where
more than one device is described herein, a single device may be
substituted for that one device.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and
materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in
the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, suitable
methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent
applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless a particular passage
is cited. In case of conflict, the present specification, including
definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and
examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0033] To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specific
materials, processing acts, and circuits are conventional and may be
found in textbooks and other sources within the computing, electronics,
and software arts.

[0034] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an energy
management system is disclosed. The energy management system can include
a database configured to store site report data received from a plurality
of residential sites using a wireless home energy network at each site.
According to an aspect, each residential site can include a thermostat
accessible to the wireless home energy network. The energy management
system can also include a processor operably coupled to the database and
configured to access the site report data, detect a current temperature
set-point of the thermostat at a first residential site, and detect a
first seasonal profile of the thermostat. The processor can also detect a
current operating mode of a HVAC system operably coupled to the
thermostat, and determine a thermostat schedule of the thermostat using
the first seasonal profile and the current operating mode of the HVAC
system.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management system,
illustrated generally at 100, according to an aspect of the disclosure.
Energy management system 100 can include an energy source 102 configured
to generate energy that can be coupled to an energy transmission system
104 to satisfy a load or demand at a first site 106, second site 108,
third site 110, or any combination thereof. Energy transmission system
104 can be configured to be coupled to one or more of first site 106,
second site 108, third site 110, or any combination thereof.

[0036] According to an aspect, first site 106 can include a distributed
energy generation (DEG) asset 112. DEG asset 112 can include various
types of energy producing assets such as a natural gas generator, fuel
cell generator, solar array, solar concentrator, wind turbine generator,
battery array, electric vehicle, hyrdo-power generator, any type of
generator, or any combination thereof capable of outputting energy to
energy transmission system 104.

[0037] According to a further aspect, second site 108 can include a
virtual capacity generation (VCG) asset 114. VCG 114 can include an
energy consumption device configured to reduce energy consumption or load
placed on energy transmission system 104 during various periods. For
example, VCG asset 108 can include equipment located a commercial
facility, industrial facility and the like. According to another aspect,
second site 102 can include a retail center having energy consuming
devices that can be managed to reduce energy consumption. In other forms,
second site 108 can include a residential site having VCG assets that
include energy consuming devices such as an HVAC system, heat pump, hot
water heater, lighting systems, entertainments systems, refrigerators, or
any type of electricity consuming device or system, or any combination
thereof. According to a further aspect, third site 110 can include a
combination of a assets such as DEG asset 116 and a VCG asset 118.

[0038] According to another aspect, first site 106 can be coupled to
server 120 using an Internet or broadband connection 122. Second site 108
can be coupled to server 120 using a second Internet or broadband
connection 124. Third site 110 can be coupled to server 120 using a third
Internet or broadband connection 126. Various other types of connections
can also be deployed by energy management system 100 as needed or
desired.

[0039] According to another aspect, portions or combinations of energy
transmission system 104 can be used within one or more markets such as
ERCOT, Southwest Power Pool (SPP), California Independent system operator
(CAISO), Western. Electric Coordinating Council (WECC), other grids or
markets, future national or regional grids, operators, councils, or any
combination or portions thereof can be accessed using energy management
system 100.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates an energy management system, illustrated
generally at 200 and configured to be used at a site 202 according to an
aspect of the disclosure. Site 202 can include a residential site, and
industrial site, a manufacturing site, a commercial site, or any
combination thereof. According to an aspect, energy management system 200
can include a server 204 located at a remote location that can be
communicatively coupled to a network 206. According to a further aspect,
site 202 can include a controller 216 capable of connecting to a wireless
thermostat (TSTAT) 208, an associated mobile device 210, one or more
smart appliances 212, a distributed energy generating asset 214, or any
combination thereof. In a form, controller 216 can establish a wireless
energy network 242 using a wireless communication described herein.
Various combinations of networks and variants thereof can also be
deployed by controller 216 to establish wireless energy network 242.

[0042] According to a further aspect, mobile device 210 can communicate
with controller 216 using a WIFI or 802.11 based communication, Bluetooth
communication, Zigbee communication, or various other wireless
communication, or any combination thereof. According to a further aspect,
mobile device 210 an communicate with an information network 240 using a
subscriber based wireless data communication network such as a 3G
network, 4G network, EDGE network, a cellular network, WiMAX, other
wireless data communication, or any combination thereof. According to a
further aspect, site 202 can include a gateway 218 configured as a
broadband gateway such as a DSL gateway, cable system gateway, fiber
optic gateway, or any combination thereof.

[0043] According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can
include an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) gateway 242 configured
to communicate with a smart metering device 250. Smart metering device
250 can include a utility or power company owned metering device and can
be configured to communicate using a wireless network such as a cellular
network, a mesh network, WiMAX network, or any combination thereof.
According to an aspect, controller 216 can communicate with AMI gateway
242 using an AMI network 248 communicated by AMI gateway 242.

[0044] According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 can
include server 204 configurable to include various energy management
logic, modules, interfaces, database sources, or various combinations
thereof to manage energy use at site 200. Server 204 can also include a
processor 222 that can be configured as multiple processors having one or
more processing cores as needed or desired, one or more databases 224
that can be internal or external to server 204, and memory 226
configurable to store data. According to an aspect, server 204 can be
located in a single location however multiple locations, and server
configurations including cloud computing, distributed computing,
dedicated computing, or any combination thereof can be deployed.
According to an aspect, controller 216 can include portions or all of
server 204 and can deploy some or all of the capabilities of server 204.

[0045] According to another aspect, server 204 can include a site
interface 220 operable to be coupled to network 206 and gateway 218 to
communicate data between site 202 and server 204. Server 204 can also
include a mobile client interface 226 that can be coupled to a wireless
telecommunications communication gateway such as a WAP gateway and the
like. According to an aspect, mobile client interface 226 can communicate
with one or more mobile devices 210, using information network 240 or
another data network provided by a wireless telecommunications provider.
Mobile client interface 226, mobile device 210, an information network
240, or various combinations thereof can include secure connection
capabilities such as SSL connections or other carrier supported secure
connection capabilities. Server 204 can also include an energy price
monitor 228, a demand response module 230, an efficiency rating module
232, a proximity detection module 234, a scheduling module 236, an energy
savings module 238, a messaging module 240, or any combination thereof.

[0046] According to an aspect, energy price monitor 228 can be deployed by
processor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a remote
data source to monitor energy pricing of site 202.

[0047] According to an aspect, demand response module 230 can be deployed
by processor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a
remote data source to manage demand response preferences and capabilities
of site 202.

[0048] According to an aspect, efficiency rating module 232 can be
deployed by processor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224
or a remote data source to determine an efficiency rating, thermal
response, virtual capacity capabilities, performance data, or various
other of site 202.

[0049] According to an aspect, proximity detection module 234 can be
deployed by processor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224
or a remote data source to detect a location of mobile device 210
relative to site 202, and modify operating conditions of site 202 based
on a proximity of mobile device 210 to site 202.

[0050] According to an aspect, scheduling module 236 can be deployed by
processor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a remote
data source to schedule energy use or operations of one or more energy
consuming devices at site 202.

[0051] According to an aspect, energy savings module 238 can be deployed
by processor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a
remote data source to determine a past or forecasted energy savings of
site 202. In a form, server 204 can include user account login
information at a utility company or energy provider that can enable a
user to gain access to meter data. As such, energy savings module 238 can
pull EMI data stored at a third party website, and output past or
forecasted energy savings of site 202.

[0052] According to an aspect, messaging module 240 can be deployed by
processor 222 and can access EMI stored within database 224 or a remote
data source to communicate messages. For example, messaging module 240
can use an email address, mobile device identifier, SMS gateway data,
network device identifier data, IP address of controller 216, IP address
of gateway 218, IP address of AMI gateway 242, or any combination thereof
to communicate messages or other energy management information.

[0053] According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 and
controller 216 can access consumption data at site 202 using AMI gateway
242. For example, controller 216 can include a wireless communication
module (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) such as a Zigbee
communication module (e.g. 802.15.4), WIFI module, Bluetooth module or
various other wireless modules, or any combination thereof. Controller
216 can include one or more profiles stored within a memory device (not
expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) configured to include data that will
enable controller 216 to join AMI gateway 242. For example, a profile can
include various attributes to initiate or establish communication using
one or more security levels as needed or desired.

[0054] According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 can be
used with an energy management application accessible or deployed by
mobile device 210 or other computing device. For example, the energy
management application can be used to control TSTAT 208, one or more
smart appliances 212 or various other devices at site 202. A user can
access the energy management application using mobile device 210 or other
computing device and read the current settings, operating conditions, or
various other types of energy management information associated with site
202. For example, a user can view if TSTAT 208 and an associated HVAC
system (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) is on or off, a mode such as
heat, A/C, or fan, or any combination thereof. In other forms, the user
can use the energy management application to access multiple thermostats
or zones at site 202. Although the energy management application has been
described in the context of accessing TSTAT 208, it should be understood
that other network devices, smart appliances, lighting systems, or any
other energy consuming or network accessible device or any combination
thereof can be accessed using the energy management application.

[0055] According to a further aspect, mobile device 210 can include a
mobile device application that can upload location data to server 204,
controller 216, TSTAT 210, smart appliances 212, various other devices
capable of receiving location data, or any combination thereof. For
example, in a particular form mobile device 210 can report a current
location using a location application program interface (API) of mobile
device 210, and can upload location data to server 204 using mobile
client interface 226. Server 204 can then deploy proximity detection
module 234 to determine whether one or more operating conditions should
be altered at site 202. For example, proximity detection module 234 can
include rules based logic to determine if an operating condition of a
resource at site 202 should be altered. For example, if a user is greater
than two miles away from site 202, and is moving away from site 202,
server 204 can generate a control action report to be communicated to
site 202. For example, a control action report can include adjusting
TSTAT 208 up a specific number of degrees relative based on the distance
and direction a user may be from site 202.

[0056] According to a particular aspect, a user may have previously
established an upper setting limit a user would like an internal
temperature to reach at site 202 without having an associated HVAC unit
turning on. The upper setting limit can be sent to TSTAT 208 based on how
far a user may be from site 202. A lower limit can be established for a
heating unit as well. These limits can be entered using mobile device
210, a web-based user interface, or any combination thereof.

[0057] According to another aspect, server 204 can characterize site 202
to determine operating characteristics and performance data of site 202
and associated energy consuming devices at site 202. For example, server
204 can use efficiency rating module 232 to monitor performance data at
site 202. Performance data can include measured performance data detected
by controller 216, performance specifications of an energy consuming
device that can be based on a model number or other identification data
of the device, the size or square footage of site 202, efficiency
improvements or specifications of site 202, various other EMI data, or
any combination thereof. As performance of an energy consuming device may
be detected, an energy alert can be sent using messaging module 240. In
another form, an energy alert can be sent to a third party to initiate a
service call at site 202. For example, one or more third parties may
subscribe to a service to buy leads based on an energy consuming devices
performance eroding. Server 204 can include a lead generation module (not
expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) that can be communicated using messaging
module 240 to a subscriber such as a service company, appliance provider,
and the like.

[0058] In another form, performance data can be used to determine when to
adjust an operating condition of an energy consuming device based on a
schedule, proximal location of the user and mobile device, in response to
a demand response event, in response to a consumer setting of a desired
operating condition based on an energy savings mode (e.g. low, med,
high), or any combination thereof.

[0059] According to a particular aspect, controller 216 can be configured
as a plug-device that can be plugged directly to a wall socket or other
power receptacle and can include various components (not expressly shown
in FIG. 2). Controller 216 can also include a network interface or
Ethernet port, one or more USB interfaces or mini-USB interfaces, an SDIO
slot, additional data or plug interfaces, or any combination thereof.
Controller 216 can include an internal or external AC, DC, AC to DC
converter power module, or any combination thereof to power controller
216. According to an aspect, controller 216 can be provided as a small
form factor unit to allow for easy installation, use, and discretionary
placement. For example, controller 216 can include a plug computer based
on Marvell Corporation's Kirkwood® microprocessor, Part Number 6281
and associated components. In another form, controller 216 can include a
plug computer including specifications described in "Sheeva Plug
Development Kit Reference Design", version 1.1, and previous versions
which are herein incorporated by reference. Other processors having
various other speeds and supporting components can also be used.
According to an aspect, controller 216 can include various buses that can
be used to install one or more wireless modules. For example, controller
216 can include a UART bus interface that can be used to interface a
Zigbee module, WIFI module, Bluetooth Module, various other modules or
combinations thereof. Various other buses can also be used including but
not limited to a USB bus, a SPI bus, an SDIO bus, a mini-USB bus, or any
combination thereof. Controller 216 can include buses that can be located
internal or external to a housing of controller 216.

[0060] According to an aspect, energy management system 200 can include
one or more network devices, such as TSTAT 208, smart appliances 212, or
various other network devices installed at a residential site such as a
home or residence. Controller 216 can establish a wireless energy network
242 capable of communicating with a network device at site 202. Energy
management system 200 can also include server 204 disposed remotely from
site 202 and capable of generating a control action report to control the
network device. Controller 216 can also be located at site 202 including
a residential site. Controller 202 can be in communication with server
204. According to an aspect, controller 202 can establish initiate a
plurality of operating status requests of the network device, and receive
device data in response to at least one of the operating status requests.
Controller 202 can further generate a site report including the device
data, and initiate a communication of the site report to server 204.
During the communication of the site report from controller 202 to server
204, controller 202 can detect an availability of a control action report
at server 202 in conjunction with the communication of the site report.
As such, a secure connection can be initiated from site 202 to
communicate site reports and receive control action reports without
having to have server 204 initiate a communication with site 202.

[0061] According to another aspect, server 202 can generate control action
report prior to a site report upload, in association with a site report
upload, or any combinations thereof. For example, one or more control
action reports can be generated and queued in advance of a site report
upload. In other forms, a control action report can be generated during a
site report upload. In yet another form, a control action report can be
generated in response to information uploaded within the site report. As
such, various combinations of control action report generation techniques
can be deployed as needed or desired.

[0062] According to an aspect, energy management system 200 can be used to
generate a control action report in response to a distance mobile client
210 may be from site 202. For example, site 202 can include a network
device, such as TSTAT 208, joined to wireless energy network 242.
According to an aspect, controller 216 can be configured to establish
wireless energy network 242 using a wireless mesh network and initiate a
plurality of operating status requests. For example, controller 216 can
access TSTAT 208 using wireless energy network 242 at a first operating
status request interval. Controller 216 can be used to generate a site
report that can include device data of TSTAT 208 at a site report
interval. According to an aspect, a site report interval can be the same
interval as the first operating status request interval. In other forms,
each interval can be different. For example, the first operating status
report request interval can be set to thirty seconds and the site report
interval can be set to sixty seconds. As such, two cycles of data can be
acquired. Various combinations of intervals can be used as desired.

[0063] According to a further aspect, controller 216 can initiate a
communication of site report to a remote server such as server 204 using
gateway 218. For example, gateway 218 can include a residential broadband
connection 206 capable of establishing a secure gateway connection
between site 202 and server 204 using a public communication network.
According to an aspect, residential broadband connection 206 does not
include a cellular communications based network.

[0064] In another form, control data can be provided in response to a
detection of a travel direction and a distance between mobile device 210
having location reporting device, and site 202. For example, as a user of
mobile device 210 is moving away from site 202, server 204 can detect a
direction and distance mobile device 210 may be from residential site
202. Server 204 can then determine if a control action should be
generated. For example, as mobile device 210 moves away from residential
site 202, TSTAT 208 setting can be adjusted up during a warm or summer
season (or down during a cold or winter season) to reduce energy
consumption. Other network devices can also be adjusted as needed or
desired.

[0065] According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 can use
energy pricing monitor 228 to generate a control action report. For
example, energy pricing monitor 228 can be configured to detect energy
pricing within an energy market, and initiate curtailing use of a network
device, such as TSTAT 208, smart appliance 212, other network devices at
site 202, or any combination thereof. For example, energy pricing monitor
228 can output a control action report in response to an unfavorable
pricing condition, and further upon the detection of a travel direction
and a distance between mobile device 210 and site 202. In another form,
energy pricing monitor 228 can also initiate use of one or more network
devices at site 202 in response to a favorable pricing condition, and a
detection of a travel direction and a distance between mobile device 210
and residential site 202. In this manner, a user's travel direction,
distance, and current energy pricing within a market can be used to
determine how energy consumption can occur at site 202.

[0066] According to a further aspect, energy management system 200 can
also use demand response module 230 to detect a demand response condition
and respond accordingly. For example, demand response module 230 can be
used to detect a grid condition favorable to a demand response event and
detect a profile preference setting of an user or site manager of site
202. For example, a user or site manager can set a profile to always
participate, not participate, or have a request sent to collaborate on
whether to participate. Other profile settings can also be used such as
determining an economic or monetary value to a user or site manager if
participating in a demand response event. For example, a favorable grid
condition can include an increase in the price of energy due to an
undersupply of energy within an energy transmission system or market (not
expressly illustrated in FIG. 2). In another form, a favorable condition
can include an oversupply of energy purchased by an energy provider of
site 202. Additionally, a high demand period can be detected and the
oversupply of energy can be increased using a demand response event. In
another form, a favorable grid condition can include a time interval when
transmission pricing to use an energy transmission system may be
determined. As such, an energy provider would receive an economic benefit
from reducing load when the transmission rate or rate for using
transmission lines would be determined. Various combinations of favorable
grid conditions can be detected as needed or desired in association with
determining a demand response event to curtail energy use at site 202.

[0067] According to an aspect, energy management system 200 can use demand
response module 230 configured to detect an energy capacity of site 202
having a residence. For example, demand response module 230 can detect a
grid condition favorable to a demand response event, and can also detect
a preference of an resident or owner of the residence to participate in
demand response events. Demand response module 230 can also determine an
energy capacity of site 202 using historical device consumption data
received in a site report, and forecasted device consumption data.
Control data can then be generated to alter an operating condition of the
network device in response to the grid condition and the preference of
the owner and the energy capacity of site 202.

[0068] According to a further aspect, server 204 can determine an energy
capacity of site 202 using device data received in association with site
reports received from site 202. For example, site report data can be used
with efficiency rating module 232 to determine a virtual generation
capacity or energy reduction capacity of site 202. Upon detecting an
available capacity, demand response module 230 can output a curtailment
action to be used within a control action report to be communicated to
site 202. For example, a curtailment action can include an updated
control data to alter a current operating condition of one or more
network devices connected to wireless energy network 242 at site 202.

[0069] According to a further aspect, controller 216 can be configured to
detect a new set-point value within a control action report, and identify
TSTAT 208 to be adjusted to the new set-point value. In some forms,
multiple wireless thermostats can be accessed via wireless energy network
242 and adjusted as desired. Controller 216 can communicate a different
set-point values to each of the wireless thermostats. Controller 216 can
initiate an outputting of new set-point values to TSTAT 208 and others
using wireless energy network 242.

[0070] According to an aspect, energy management system 200 can use
proximity detection module 234 to detect a distance mobile device 210 may
be from site 202 including a residential site. For example, proximity
detection module 234 can access location data stored within database 224
and provided by mobile device 210 using mobile client interface 226.
Proximity detection module 234 can further detect mobile device 210
within a first zone (e.g. less than one (1) mile from the site, less than
three (3) miles from site, greater than five (5) miles from site, etc.).
Proximity detection module can further detect a current thermostat
setting of TSTAT 208, and an indoor temperature detected at site 202 and
communicated within a site data report communicated from site 202.
Proximity detection module 234 can then determine a percentage adjustment
to adjust a current setting of TSTAT 208, and output the percentage
adjustment as a new set-point value to be used within a control action
report. For example, if mobile device 210 can be detect as being greater
than three (3) miles from site 202, TSTAT 208 can be adjusted to within
75% of the maximum setting in a summer season, or minimum setting in a
winter season. As such, a site 202 can be managed based on a user's
proximity to a site, which zone a user may be located in, and current
seasonal schedule or setting being used at a site 202.

[0071] According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can
include TSTAT 208 configured as a wireless thermostat capable of joining
wireless energy network 242 operable as a wireless home energy network.
According to an aspect, TSTAT 208 can be configured to not include an
enabled local programming schedule configured to control an HVAC system
of site 202. For example, TSTAT 208 can include sufficient memory to
store a set-point value, but may be not include scheduling capabilities
at TSTAT 208. As such, a simplified user interface of TSTAT 208 can be
deployed. For example, if TSTAT 208 includes a scheduling feature, energy
management system 200 can be used to disable the scheduling feature
located at TSTAT 208. As such, TSTAT 208 can be considered a
non-programmable thermostat capable of connecting to wireless energy
network 242, and set-point values or other control actions can be
received using wireless energy network 242. In this manner, scheduling
use of TSTAT 208 can be provided using on-line or web application based
scheduling tool.

[0072] According to a further aspect, controller 216 can be further
configured to initiate joining TSTAT 208 to wireless energy network 242
using a unique identifier of TSTAT 208. A unique identifier of TSTAT 208
can be received from server 204 and a local schedule and or scheduling
capabilities of TSTAT 208 can be disabled. In this manner, an overall
design complexity of a thermostat can be reduced and scheduling
capabilities can be provided using a schedule created within a network
environment and output by controller 216, server 204, mobile device 210,
or any combination of sources capable of providing schedule information
or control action data to TSTAT 208.

[0073] According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can also
use scheduling module 236 to schedule use of a network device located at
site 202 and capable of connecting to wireless energy network 242.
Additionally, multiple user schedules can be stored within database 224
and used by site 202. For example, scheduling module 236 can be used to
detect a first user schedule accessible to controller 216. The first user
schedule can include a first schedule event configured to alter an
operating condition of a network device such as TSTAT 208, smart
appliance 212, or other energy consuming network devices. According to an
aspect, the first user schedule can be operably linked to mobile device
210 having a location detection device. The first user schedule can be
used or not used based on a distance mobile device 210 may be from
residence 202. In this manner, as user returns to residential site 202, a
user schedule can be activated and used.

[0074] According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can
include a second user schedule accessible to controller 216. For example,
a second user schedule can include scheduling data to schedule a second
schedule event configured to alter an operating condition of a network
device at site 202. The second user schedule can be operably linked to a
second mobile device having a location reporting device (not expressly
illustrated in FIG. 2). For example, the second user schedule can be used
or not used based on a distance a second mobile device may be from site
202. In another form, mobile device 210 may not be located at site 202,
but a second mobile device may located be at site 202. In this form, a
second user schedule may be based on detecting the second mobile device
located at site 202. According to an aspect, the second user schedule can
be disabled when the second user leaves the site 202 and a proximity mode
can be enabled. According to a further aspect, a second user schedule may
not be operably linked to any mobile device. As such, controller 216 can
use a second user's schedule to schedule events in response to a
detection of mobile device 210 being a distance away from residential
site 202. In this manner, multiple user schedules and proximity control
of energy use can be deployed at a common site.

[0076] According to another aspect, controller 216 can be configured with
a communication interface (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) to enable
joining AMI wireless network 248. In this manner, controller 216 can gain
access to AMI wireless network 248 to receive AMI data. In a further
aspect, controller 216 can use the AMT data to alter an operating
condition of a network device at site 202, output AMI data using a
display of a network device, communicate AMI data to server 204, or any
combination thereof. According to a further aspect, controller 216 can
communicate the AMI data with site report data as a site report to server
204. As such, AMI data and site report data can be used at server 204.

[0077] According to a further aspect, controller 216 can connect to AMI
wireless network 248 at a first security level, and alter an operating
condition of a network device connected to wireless energy network 242 at
a second security level. According to an aspect, wireless energy network
242 can be deployed at the same security level as AMI wireless network
248, can be deployed at a different security level than AMI wireless
network 248, or any combination thereof.

[0078] According to a further aspect, a user or site profile can be used
to enable use of control actions initiated or received by AMI wireless
network 248. For example, a site manager or user can establish a profile
setting to enable or disable a utility company to alter an operating
condition of a network device at a residence. As such, controller 216 can
access a profile setting prior to connecting to AMI wireless network 248,
enabling use of a control action received using the AMI wireless network
248, or any combination thereof. In other forms, controller 216 can
access server 204 to detect profile settings.

[0079] According to another aspect, energy management system 200 can also
include controller 216 configured to communicate using a Zigbee network
and a WIFI network. For example, controller 216 can include a ZigBee
enabled communication device (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2)
capable of initiating wireless energy network 242 at site 202 that
includes a residential site. Controller 242 can also include a WIFI
enabled communication device (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2)
capable of initiating WIFI network 244 operable to be coupled to mobile
device 210 that may be WIFI enabled, or other WIFI enabled devices,
systems, or any combination thereof.

[0080] According to a further aspect, controller 216 using WIFI network
244 can be used to alter an operating condition at site 202 in response
to detecting mobile device establishing or losing a WIFI connection to
WIFI network 244. For example, a user schedule can be enabled when a WIFI
connection of mobile device 210 can be detected, and an operating
condition of one or more network devices connected to wireless energy
network 242. As mobile device 210 leaves site 202, an operating condition
of one or more network devices can be altered upon a detection of a WIFI
connection of mobile device 210 to WIFI network 244 being lost.

[0081] According to an aspect, mobile device 210 can communicate with
controller 216 to access site data, site reports, control action data,
AMI data, or various other types of EMI data available using WIFI network
244. According to an aspect, mobile device 210 can initiate control
actions, control action reports, or combinations thereof that can alter
an operating condition of a network device coupled to wireless energy
network 242. According to a further aspect,

[0082] According to another aspect, controller 216 configured with a WIFI
communication device can enable a connection to a home computer system,
laptop computer, Netbook, home server, IPAD®, home automation system,
router, or other WIFI enabled system or devices (not expressly
illustrated in FIG. 2), or any combination thereof. For example, a user
can use an IPAD to access controller 216. Using WIFI network 244 and
wireless energy network 242, a user can receive operating status
information, initiate control actions of network devices, schedule energy
use, or various other energy management activities. In some forms,
controller 216 may not have access to network 206. Controller 216 can
include portions or all of the capabilities of server 204 to schedule
energy use, generate scheduling data, access site data, generate control
action data, or any combination thereof. As such, in some instances
network 206 may not be established (e.g. in a new construction site,
etc.), or if a network failure or an absence of network availability
occurs, a user can access network devices at site 202 and manage energy
use.

[0083] According to another aspect, controller 216 can detect when mobile
device 210 connects to WIFI network 244 and alter an operating condition
of a network device coupled to wireless energy network 242. For example,
as mobile device 210 moves or transitions away from site 202, controller
216 can detect a signal loss and alter an operating condition at site
202. According to an aspect, controller 216 can include control action
data to be used upon detecting a signal loss. In other forms, controller
216 can report the signal loss to server 204 within, or external to a
site report. Server 204 can then determine a control action (if any) in
response to a reporting of the WIFI signal being lost.

[0084] According to a further aspect, server 204 can initiate a text
message using messaging module 240 to be sent to mobile device 210. User
of mobile device 210 can then view the text message and respond to alter
an operating condition at site 202. For example, a user can place site
202 in proximity mode which will enable an energy efficiency schedule
associated with the user. In other forms, a user can access an energy
management application accessible to mobile device 210 and alter an
operating condition at site 202. Various combinations of messaging
communications (e.g. SMS text, email, social network messaging, social
network postings, etc.), message content, and various combinations
thereof can be used to inform a user of mobile device 210 that an
operating condition can be altered in response to mobile device 210 not
being connected to a WIFI signal at site 202, a detection of mobile
device 210 being a distance from site 202 using location detection, or
any combination thereof According to another aspect, controller 216 can
also connect to mobile device 210 using WIFI network 244 and communicate
information using mobile device 210 and information network 240. For
example, mobile device 210 can connect to information network 240 which
can be a wireless subscriber based information network. Mobile device 210
can receive energy management information from an information source
accessible to information network 240. According to an aspect, mobile
device 210 can include a mobile energy management application that can be
used to access server 204 or other information source(s). Mobile device
210 can be used to upload information such as a site report, network
device data, operating statuses, or various other types of information
that can be obtained at site 202 using wireless energy network 242.
According to a further aspect, mobile device 210 can receive information
such as control action reports, control data, environmental data,
scheduling data, user profile data, network device profile data, Zigbee
based profile data, WIFI data, configuration data, network device data
updates or firmware updates, controller data updates or firmware updates,
or various other types of EMI data or any combination thereof that can be
communicated to mobile device 210 using information network 240. Mobile
device 210 can then communicate received information to controller 216
using WIFI network 244. Controller 216 can use the received information
to manage energy use at site 202.

[0085] According to a further aspect, controller 216 can be configured to
request profile data, profile updates, network device updates, or any
combination thereof of a network device using WIFI network 244, wireless
AMI network 248, network 206, or any combination thereof. For example,
controller 216 can detect a Zigbee enabled network device at site 202.
Controller 216 can identify unique identifier of the Zigbee enabled
network device, and request a profile of the Zigbee enabled network using
WIFI network 244. For example, mobile device 210 can request a Zigbee
profile using information network 240. In another form, a home computer,
laptop computer, IPAD® etc. can request the Zigbee profile using
network 206. In another form, controller 216 can access wireless AMI
network 248 to request a Zigbee profile. As such, controller 216 can be
configured to request profile data, profile updates, network device
updates, various other types of information to manage network device, or
any combination thereof of a network device using one or more networks
accessible to controller 216.

[0086] According to a further aspect, controller 216 can be incorporated
into a network device. For example, controller 216 and TSTAT 208 can be
combined into the same unit. Controller 216 can also include an 802.15.4
based wireless communication device (not expressly shown in FIG. 2)
operable to establish wireless energy network 242. Controller 216 can
also include an 802.11 based wireless communication device (not expressly
shown in FIG. 2) operable to communicate with mobile device 210. Using
the 802.11 based wireless communication device, controller 216 can
communicate with gateway 218 having a residential broadband wireless
router capable of establishing an 802.11 based wireless communication
network at site 202. In this manner, combining controller 216 and TSTAT
208 can lead to a reduction in the number of separate devices deployed at
site 202.

[0087] According to a further aspect, controller 216 can include a
processor (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 2) configured to deploy a
web server capable of enabling web services. For example, controller 216
can connect to WIFI network 244 and a computer system at site 202. The
computer system can include a browser configured to access an IP address
of the web server of controller 216 to manage one or more network devices
coupled to wireless energy network 242. In a particular form, controller
216 can include a scheduling tool configured to be output by the web
server and accessible using WIFI network 244. According to a further
aspect, controller 216 can be coupled to mobile device 210 and controller
216 can be configured to enable access to a subscriber based wireless
information network 240 using a connection to the 802.11 based wireless
communication device of controller 216.

[0088] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of managing energy at a site according
to an aspect of the disclosure. Portions or all of the method of FIG. 3
can be used with portions or all of the energy management systems,
devices, or apparatuses disclosed herein, or any other type of system,
controller, device, module, processor, or any combination thereof,
operable to employ all, or portions of, the method of FIG. 3.
Additionally, the method can be embodied in various types of encoded
logic including software, firmware, hardware, or other forms of digital
storage mediums, computer readable mediums, or logic, or any combination
thereof, operable to provide all, or portions, of the method of FIG. 3.

[0089] The method begins generally at block 300. At decision block 302,
the method detects whether an energy network has been established. For
example, a wireless energy network can be established and can include one
or more networks that can be used to manage energy use at a site.
According to an aspect, a wireless energy network can be established
using a wireless enabled controller located at a residence. At decision
block 302, a detection of an energy network, AMI enabled network, WIFI
enabled network, Zigbee enabled network, WiMAX network, or any other type
of energy network, or any combination thereof can be detected. If at
decision block 302, one or more networks may not be detected, the method
can proceed to decision block 304. At decision block 304, the method can
detect if there is an AMI network available. If at decision block 304
there is an AMI network available, the network can proceed to block 306
and the AMI network can be joined. For example, the AMI network can
include a specific protocol and security level to establish communication
or allow a joining of the network. For example, the AMI network may
require an encryption key-based security that can require specific keys,
certificates, etc. to enable access. According to another aspect, the AMI
network may include a smart grid based security described in Smart Grid
standards. As such, various combinations of joining the AMI network can
be deployed. Upon joining the AMI network, the method can proceed to
decision block 308.

[0090] In some forms, an AMI network may be available and the method can
be modified to determine whether to join the AMI network. If at decision
block 304, an AMI network may not be detected (or may not be joined), the
method can proceed to decision block 308. At decision block 308, the
method can detect if a WIFI network (e.g. 802.11 based network) may the
available. If a WIFI network is not detected or is not available, the
method can proceed to block 310 and a WIFI network can be established.
For example, a controller, network device, smart appliance, or various
other types of energy consuming devices can include a WIFI communication
device capable of initiating a WIFI network. As such, at block 310 a WIFI
network can be established and the method can proceed to block 312. If at
decision block 308 a WIFI network exists, or if a WIFI network should not
be established, the method can proceed to block 312. In some forms, an
additional WIFI network can be established at block 310 and the method
can be modified to allow a bridging between the two WIFI networks.

[0091] According to an aspect, at block 312 an energy network can be
established to manage one or more network devices. For example, an energy
network can include a wireless energy network that is based on a Smart
Grid standards and protocols such as a Zigbee based protocol. Various
other types of communication can also be used to establish an energy
network. An energy network can be established by outputting a wireless
network at a site to enable a network device to join the energy network.

[0092] Upon establishing an energy network, the method can proceed to
block 314 a network device capable of connecting to the energy network
can be detected. For example, a network device can include a Zigbee
enabled communication device capable of joining a Zigbee enabled energy
network. A unique identifier of the network device can be detected and a
profile can be obtained at block 316. In some forms, a unique identifier
can be previously obtained by a controller deploying the energy network.
For example, a unique identifier can be obtained from a server accessible
to a controller, via a WIFI or other network accessible to a controller,
or any combination thereof. In other forms, an external information
source can be capable of providing a unique identifier, or a list of
unique identifiers to identify a valid network device that can be joined
to the energy network. A controller can then use the unique identifier,
and the profile, to establish or join the network device to the energy
network.

[0093] In another form, a profile of a network device may not be
immediately available, or may have been revised. As such, a profile can
be obtained using a WIFI network, an AMI network, an Internet or
broadband network, or any combination thereof. For example, a unique
identifier, a model number, a serial number, a device class identifier,
or any combination thereof that can be communicated to an external source
or information network to obtain a profile can be used. A profile can
then be identified and used to join the network device to the energy
network.

[0094] According to a further aspect, obtaining a profile at block 316 can
include initiating a request using a controller and an information
network accessible to a mobile device capable of communicating with a
WIFI network at a site. For example, a profile can be provided by
connecting a mobile device to a wireless information network such as a 3G
data network, 4G data network, or other subscriber based wireless
information network. The mobile device and then communicate the profile
to the controller using the WIFI network at the site. The controller can
then receive the profile and use at least a portion of the profile within
the energy network.

[0095] According to an aspect, upon obtaining a profile, the method can
proceed to block 318 and the network device can be joined to the energy
network. For example, the network device can be joined at a security
level that is different than required by an AMI network, or other secure
network. In some forms, the network device can be joined to multiple
networks or combination of networks while joined to the energy network.
In other forms, the network device can be joined to only the energy
network. In still other forms, an AMI network connection can be
established to enable an AMI network to access the network device, and
the network device can unjoin or disconnect the AMI network and join the
energy network. In another form, information received from the AMI
network can be used to alter an operating condition of the network device
using the energy network. Various other permutations of joining a network
device to an energy network or other networks can also be realized as
needed or desired.

[0096] According to a further aspect, a network device can join the energy
network using a standardized profile, such as a Zigbee profile. In
addition, a network device can be joined using a profile modifier that
can extend the functionality of the Zigbee profile associated with a
specific network device. For example, a controller establishing the
energy network can access profile modifiers to enhance use of a specific
network device.

[0097] According to a further aspect, an AMI network can be joined during
a period of time, and then the energy network can be joined during a
separate time period. As such, various combinations of joining a network
device to one or more networks can be used as needed or desired to manage
energy use of a network device. Additionally, the method can be modified
to join additional network devices to one or more networks as needed or
desired. Upon joining one or more network devices, the method can proceed
to block 320 and then to decision block 322.

[0098] At decision block 322, the method can detect whether a proximity
mode associated with a site and energy network is enabled or disabled.
For example, proximity mode can include associating a mobile device with
a residential site, and automatically controlling a network device based
on detecting a location the mobile device may be from the residential
site. One or more mobile devices associated with a site can include a
location reporting device capable of outputting a location report. The
location reporting device can use various technologies to report location
including GPS, GPRS, cell tower triangulation, or various other location
reporting technologies. In another folio, a location reporting device of
a mobile device can also include a WIFI radio capable of being connected
to a WIFI network. As such, a mobile device can be connected to a WIFI
network at the site using a WIFI connection, and as a WIFI connection is
established or lost, a proximity mode can be enabled and disabled
accordingly.

[0099] According to an aspect, at block 322 if proximity mode is enabled,
the method can proceed to block 344 as described below. If at decision
block 322 proximity mode may not be enabled, the method can proceed to
decision block 324 to detect if a user schedule is available. For
example, a user schedule can include an event schedule to control one or
more network devices. According to an aspect, one or more user's can
create a schedule that can be accessed by a controller, and used to
control one or more wireless thermostats or other network devices that
can be joined to the energy network. According to a further aspect, a
user schedule can be linked to a mobile device of the user. In some
forms, the mobile device can include a location detection device
configured to report locations of the mobile device.

[0100] According to an aspect, if a user schedule may not the detected,
the method can proceed to block 356 and an event can be identified. For
example, an event can include one or more programmed events that can be
created and accessed at a specific time, date, period, or other to alter
an operating condition of a network device. For example, a user may not
have provided a user schedule to schedule energy use of a hot water
system at a residence. As such, a default schedule can be accessed to
identify an event and schedule or manage use of the hot water heater. For
example, an event can include decreasing a hot water heater ten (10)
degrees at midnight. Another event can include increasing a hot water
heater fifteen (15) degrees at five (5) A.M. In another form, a network
device can include a wireless thermostat that can be used to control an
HVAC system based on a time of day or other attribute. For example, a
weather forecast can be determined, and an event can be scheduled to
adjust a wireless thermostat accessible to the energy network. Various
other environmental conditions, grid conditions, user profiles, device
profiles, energy pricing, or any combination of energy management
information can be used to schedule or create an event.

[0101] Upon identifying an event, the method can proceed to decision block
326 and detect whether to schedule the event. For example, if an event is
configured to be scheduled at a specific time of day, the method can
detect the event at decision block 326. If an event may not be detected,
the method can proceed to decision block 322 and repeats.

[0102] According to an aspect, if at decision block 326 an event should be
scheduled, the method can proceed to block 328 and the event can be
scheduled. For example, a network device can be identified, an operating
condition to be altered can be identified, a time of day to alter the
operating condition can be identified, a period of time to alter an
operating condition can be identified, a device profile can be used, or
any combination of data that can be used to schedule an event can be
used. According to another aspect, the method can include initiating a
scheduled event at block 328 using a portion of a programming schedule
stored within a memory of the controller associated with the energy
network. For example, portions of event data can be communicated from a
remote server to the controller, and used with a programming schedule
stored within the controller to schedule an event. In this manner, one or
more sources can be used alone or in combination to schedule events.

[0103] According to a further aspect, upon scheduling the event, the
method can proceed to block 330 and a control action can to be
communicated to a network device. For example, a control action can
include control action data or device data sufficient to alter an
operating condition of a network device. In some forms, data formatted
according to a standard profile, such as a Zigbee Home Automation
profile, Zigbee Energy Profile, and the like. In other forms, control
action data can include a device identifier, a message format to output a
message, a parameter or feature of a network device to alter, an updated
set-point or operating condition of the network device, a network or
security key, a date and time, or any combination thereof.

[0104] According to an aspect, the method can proceed to block 332 and the
control action can be output to the energy network as an outgoing message
and received by the network device as an incoming message. For example,
the network device can detect the outgoing message communicated within
the energy network using a unique identifier of the network device.

[0105] At block 334, upon the network device receiving the incoming
message, a control action can be extracted from the incoming message and
the operating condition at the network device can be altered using the
control action data. For example, an dishwasher may be turned on, a
clothes washer or dryer turned on, lights within a home can altered, a
thermostat can be adjusted, a hot water hear can be adjusted, or various
other types of control actions can be initiated as needed or desired.

[0106] At block 336, network device data can be obtained from the network
device using the energy network. For example, a network device can
receive a request to output operating status information as network
device data to the energy network. In other forms, the network device can
be enabled to periodically publish status information to the energy
network and received by the controller. Upon outputting the network
device data, the method can then proceed to block 338 and a site report
can be generated. For example, a site report can include network device
data received from one or more network devices accessible to the home
energy network. Site report data can be stored locally to the controller,
and processed to confirm an updating of the control action. The site
report data can be stored within a site report and communicated to a
remote server configurable to receive and process the site report data
within a site report. According to an aspect, a site report can be
communicated to a remote server configurable to receive site reports from
the controller using a broadband connection initiated by the controller.
Other forms of communication can also be used to communicate a site
report as needed or desired. Upon generating a site report, the method
can proceed to decision block 302.

[0107] According to an aspect, if at decision block 322 proximity
detection may be enabled, the method can proceed to block 344 and a
location report can be received. For example, a location report can
include location data output from a location reporting device such as a
mobile device. In other forms, a location report can be generated in
response to a detection that a mobile device having a WIFI radio may be
within range, or out of range, of the WIFI network at the site. As such,
the method can be used to alter an operating condition of the network
device using the energy network in response to detecting the location
reporting device establishing or losing a WIFI connection to the WIFI
network.

[0108] According to an aspect, the method can proceed to decision block
346 and can detect if a location change has occurred. If a location
change has not occurred, the method can proceed to block 348 and detects
whether to alter an operating condition. If an operating condition of one
or more network devices may not be altered, the method can proceed to
block 350, and to block 322.

[0109] According to another aspect, if at decision block 346 a location
change may be detected, the method can proceed to block 350 and detects a
distance a location reporting device may be from an associated site. The
method can then proceed to block 352 and detects the direction of the
mobile device. For example, if the distance has increased from a previous
location reported, the method can detect that a user may be moving away
from a site. In other forms, a detected direction can include moving
toward a site, moving away from a site, or not moving at all.

[0110] Upon detecting a direction, the method can proceed to decision
block 348 and detects whether to alter an operating condition of a
network device. For example, in addition to detecting a distance and
direction a user may be from a residence, various other types of
information can also be used to alter an operating condition. For
example, data such as real time velocity data, average velocity data,
estimated length of time a user may take to return to a site, thermostat
scheduling data, network device scheduling data, site report data,
real-time weather condition data, traffic condition data, user driving
pattern data, daily driving pattern data, GPS mapping data, home energy
efficiency ratings, demand response data, curtailment data, energy
pricing data, grid condition data, various other types of EMI, or any
combination thereof.

[0111] Upon detecting an operating condition to alter, the method can
proceed to block 354 and initiates a control action. For example, a
server remote to a site can be used to generate a control action that can
be included within a control action report and communicated to the
controller at the site. In a form, the control action report can be
communicated in association with an upload of a site report. According to
another aspect, a control action can be generated by the controller. For
example, a location and direction of a mobile device can be identified
and communicated to the controller. The controller can then determine
whether to generate a control action using the location data and
direction data, and possible other data as needed or desired. The method
can then proceed to block 328 as generally described above. If at
decision block 348 an operating condition of a network device should not
be altered, the method can proceed to block 350 and to block 322.

[0112] According to an aspect, the method can be provided to detect a
distance between the location reporting device and the site using a
previously stored location of the residence and a new location of the
location reporting device. At decision block 354 altering an operating
condition can include altering an operating condition of the network
device in response to detecting the location reporting device is
traveling away from the residence. Further, altering an operating
condition of the network device in response to detecting the location
reporting device is traveling toward the residence.

[0113] According to another aspect, the method can be provided to detect a
location reporting device at a first distance at block 350, and at
decision block 348 initiate a control action. As the location reporting
device may be detected at a second distance, a second control action can
be initiated. For example, a control action can include setting a first
temperature set-point of a thermostat in response to detecting the first
distance. The method can further be provided to detect the location
reporting device at a second distance different from the first distance,
and set the temperature set-point to a second value.

[0114] According to a further aspect, the method can be modified to detect
an upper and lower thermostat set-point limits of a network device. For
example, an upper set-point limit can include a maximum a temperature
that should be reached within a site during a warm season. A set-point of
a thermostat can then be determined by determining the difference between
a previous set-point and the maximum set-point. In some forms, a
percentage adjustment, such as 30%, 50%, 75%, etc. of the resulting
difference between a maximum set-point and a base set point can be used
to determine a new set-point. For example, if a thermostat is set to
seventy (70) degrees and has a maximum set-point of eighty (80) degrees,
the delta between the two being ten (10) degrees. A new set-point can
then be generated by multiplying this delta by a percentage, such as 50%,
and adding it to the current set point. In this example, a new setting of
seventy five (75) degrees would be the resulting set-point. In other
forms, the method can use the maximum and minimum set-points, resulting
or current set-points, in association with a time of day, a distance or
distances a user may be from a site, or various other data that can be
used to determine a set-point using maximum and minimum set-point values.

[0115]FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management
apparatus, illustrated generally as controller 400, according to an
aspect of the disclosure, Controller 400 can include a processor 402 and
memory 404 configurable to store data. Memory 404 can be configured as
on-board memory of processor 402, or in other forms can also include
expandable memory such as DDR memory, Flash Memory, EPROM, ROM, or
various other forms, or any combination thereof generally illustrated as
memory 404.

[0116] According to an aspect, controller 400 can include buses 406, 408,
410 configured to couple data and signals to various components within
controller 400. Although illustrated as multiple buses 406, 408, 410,
controller 400 can include a single bus, multiple buses, or any
combination thereof. Various types of bus configurations can be used as
needed or desired including, but not limited to, any combination or
portion of a serial bus, a parallel bus, a serial--parallel bus, a
universal serial bus, industry standard bus, controller area network bus,
a serial peripheral bus, a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter
bus, a control bus, standard digital input output bus, or any combination
thereof.

[0117] According to an aspect, controller 400 can also include a
communication interface 430, an information network interface 416, an
external bus interface 420, an application program interface 440, or any
combination thereof configurable to be coupled to one or more of buses
406, 408, 410 or any combination thereof. According to an aspect, any
combination of interfaces 430, 416, 420, 440 can be configured in any
combination of hardware, software, or firmware, and can include any
combination or portion of a serial bus interface, a parallel bus
interface, a serial--parallel bus interface, a universal serial bus
interface, industry standard bus interface, controller area network bus
interface, a serial peripheral interface, a universal asynchronous
receiver transmitter interface, a control bus interface, standard digital
input output interface, or any combination thereof.

[0118] According to a further aspect, controller 400 can also include a
power supply 412 capable of providing power to controller 400. Power
supply 412 can be an internal power supply and in other forms can be
provided external to controller 400. Controller 400 can also include a
broadband device 414 configured to be coupled to a broadband network. For
example, broadband device can include an Ethernet communication module, a
Cable or coaxial-based communication module, and can include
communication logic, to receive and transmit data between controller 400
and an information network such as a LAN, WAN, local network, the
Internet, and the like. Broadband device 414 can include TCP/IP
communication capabilities and can also be security enabled to transmit
SSL data between controller 400 and an information network.

[0119] According to a further aspect, controller 400 can also include an
information network interface 416, a wireless information network device
418, and an external bus interface 420, Controller 400 can also include a
Zigbee enabled communication device 422, a WIFI device 424, an Advanced
Metering Infrastructure device 426, a support and updates module 428, and
a communication interface 430. Controller 400 can also include an
operating system 450 that can be executed by processor 402.

[0120] According to an aspect, controller 400 can be configured to use any
type or combination of wireline or wireless communication to manage
energy use at a site, including, but not limited to, power-line
communication, wire line communication, wireless communication, Zigbee
based communication, INSETEON based communication, X10 based
communication, Z-Wave based communication, WiMAX based communication,
Bluetooth based communication, WIFI based communication, 802.11-based
communication, 802.15-based communication, 802.16-based communication,
proprietary communication, other communications described herein, or any
combination thereof.

[0121] According to a further aspect, controller 400 can include a network
device profile module 432, a security module 434, a controller module
436, and a proximity detection module 438. Controller 400 can also
include device profiles 442, user profiles 444, home profiles 446, and
profile modifiers 448. One or more of the modules, profiles, or any
combination thereof can be provided as encoded logic such as a ROM, PROM,
EPROM, EEPROM, or various combinations thereof and accessible to
processor 402 as needed or desired. In other forms, one or more of the
modules, profiles, or any combination thereof can be stored within a
memory device such as memory 404, within a removable flash drive (not
expressly illustrated in FIG. 4), an external data storage device (not
expressly illustrated in FIG. 4), or any combination thereof.

[0122] According to further aspect, controller 400 can include processor
402 operable to manage energy use at a site. Processor 400 can be
configured to convert an incoming message received from a wireless energy
network (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 4) into XML enabled output
data. Processor 400 can also format an outgoing message to be output to a
wireless energy network using XML enabled input data. According to an
aspect, XML enabled input data includes a network device identifier of a
network device accessible using a wireless energy network. Controller 400
can also include communication interface 430 configurable to enable
access to communication device, such as Zigbee device 422, WIFI device
424, AMI device 426, or any other device accessible to controller 400 and
having access to a wireless energy network. According to an aspect,
communication interface 430 can be configured to detect an outgoing
message formatted by processor 402 and configure the outgoing message to
a message bus format that can be coupled to bus 408 and a communication
device such as Zigbee device 422. For example, outgoing message can
include network device data configured to be output to a wireless energy
network, but processed into a message bus format prior to outputting to a
communication device. Communication interface 430 can then convert the
outgoing message from a message bus format to a format that can be output
by a specific communication device. For example, if the outgoing message
was intended to be output using WIFI device 424, communication interface
can detect that the message was to be sent on a WIFI network and can
convert the outgoing message from a message bus format to a WIFI device
format. Communication interface 430 can then output the WIFI device
formatted message to WIFI device 424.

[0123] According to a further aspect, communication interface 430 can be
configured to detect an incoming message received from a wireless energy
network using a communication device such as Zigbee device 422, WIFI
device 424, AMI device 426, or any other device accessible to controller
400 and having access to a wireless energy network. Incoming message can
include incoming network device data received from a network device.
Communication interface 430 can convert an incoming message from a
communication device format to access an incoming network device data
received from a network device, and output the incoming network device
data using a message bus format that can be used by processor 402.

[0124] According to another aspect, controller 400 can include a wireless
data module, such as Zigbee device 422, WIFI device 424, AMI device 426,
or any other device accessible to controller 400 and having access to a
wireless energy network. A wireless data module can be accessible to
processor 402 and configured to generate profile data to be used with an
outgoing message. For example, processor 402 can access network device
profile module 434 and use a network device profile of a network device
accessible to the wireless energy network to output a message receivable
by a specific network device. Network device data can be formatted using
a network device profile of a specific network type of the wireless
energy network. In some forms, a network device profile may not include
information sufficient to output network device data. As such, profile
modifiers 448 can be provided and can include profile modification data
of the network device not available within the network device profiles
442 that can be used to communicate with a network device coupled to an
energy network accessible to controller 400.

[0125] For example, device profiles 442 can include a Zigbee thermostat
device profile having home automation profile data and smart energy
profile data. Profile modification data 448 can be used to access
additional profile information to format an outgoing Zigbee message and
access a Zigbee enabled thermostat coupled to a wireless energy network
accessible to controller 400. In this manner, additional features and
functionality that may not exist within Zigbee profile standards can be
accessed by using profile modifier data 448. As such, functionality of a
Zigbee enabled device can be expanded beyond a standard Zigbee profile.

[0126] According to another aspect, controller 400 can include a first
user profile stored within user profiles 444 and accessible to processor
402. For example, a first user profile can include a first time schedule
to operate a network device and a control setting to control the network
device. User profiles 444 can also include a first user identifier to
identify a first user and can also be include a network device identifier
to identify the network device to control or alter.

[0127] According to another aspect, controller 400 can include a second
user profile within user profiles 444 and accessible to processor 402
that is different than the first user profile. A second user profile can
include a second time schedule to operate a network device and at least
one control setting to control the network device. The second user
profile can also include a second user identifier to identify the second
user and a network device identifier to identify the network device.

[0128] According to a further aspect, processor 402 can determine when to
use a first user profile or a second user profile. For example, processor
402 can access user profiles 444 to detecting the user profiles, and
initiate outputting an outgoing message using the first user schedule or
the second user schedule. Processor 402 can then be used to monitor when
to alter the operating condition provided by the first user schedule, to
an operating condition of a second user schedule. In this manner,
multiple user schedules can be used by controller 400 to control a
network device.

[0129] According to a further aspect, processor 402 can be used to detect
an input to a network device as a user schedule is being used, and store
a new setting of the network device in association with the deployed user
schedule. For example, processor 402 can detect a current user profile
being used, and further detect an interaction with a network device
during use of a first user schedule. Upon detecting an interaction,
processor 402 can initiate an update to the first user profile in
response to detecting the interaction.

[0130] According to an aspect, processor 402 can be used to convert data
received using broadband device 414 to a format that can be output to a
wireless energy network. Also, processor 402 can also be configured to
convert data received from the wireless energy network to a format that
can be used by broadband device 414. For example, processor 402 can
include a Linux enabled processor configured to convert an incoming
message received from Zigbee device 422 to an XML enabled output data.
Additionally, processor 402 can format XML enabled input data received
from broadband device 414 to an outgoing Zigbee message that can be
output using Zigbee device 422.

[0131] According to a further aspect, controller 400 can be configured as
a server and can deploy several processes of applications that can be
used, including, but not limited to Ubuntu Version 9.04, Java SE Version
6, "lighttpd HTTP Server", Servlets, FastCGI, Apache log4j, Eclipse,
Apache Ant, or any equivalent operating environments or software, or any
combination thereof.

[0132] According to an aspect, processor 402 using a Java operating
environment can initiate generation of a Java output object using XML
enabled input data received from broadband device 414. The Java output
object can include network device data of a ZigBee enabled network device
accessible to a wireless energy network and Zigbee device 422. Processor
402 can further initiate generation of XML enabled output data from an
incoming message received from Zigbee device 422 using a Java input
object configured to accesses network device data using a network device
profile stored within device profiles 422, and a profile modifiers 448 as
needed or desired.

[0133] According to an aspect, controller 400 can use communication
interface 430 and API 440 to enable access to ZigBee device 422 operably
coupled to bus 408 and accessible to API 440. As such API 440 can be used
by processor 402 during use of one or more modules to access Zigbee
device 422, WIFI device 424, AMT device, 426 or any combination thereof
to communicate network data using a wireless energy network. As such,
processor 402 can make API calls to API 440 to access various functions
of one or more communication devices 422, 424, 426.

[0134] According to another aspect, controller 400, can be used to
coordinate a wireless energy network, and use data within the wireless
energy network that was received from an external information source
accessible to controller 400. For example, broadband device 414 can be
coupled to an information network. Broadband device 414 can further be
coupled to information network interface 416 operable to access external
data sources that can be communicatively coupled to broadband device 414.
Controller 400 can initiate coordinating a wireless energy network, and
initiate outputting XML enabled output data as site report data to
information network interface 416 to be communicated to an external data
source using broadband device 414. Site report data can include a portion
or representation of network device data received by Zigbee device 422,
or other device accessing the wireless energy network. According to an
aspect, controller 400 can also receive control action report data using
broadband device 414. For example, control action report data can include
XML enabled input data that can be output as network device data using
the wireless energy network.

[0135] According to a further aspect, controller 400 can be configured to
access a wireless energy network at more than one security level. For
example, processor 402 can use security module 434 configured to initiate
supporting coordinating a wireless energy network at a first security
level and enable access to a network device at a first security level.
For example, processor 402 can initiate receipt of an incoming message
using Zigbee device 422 at the first security level. Upon gaining access
and communicating device data, processor 402 can disconnect the network
device. In another form, security module 434 and processor 402 can then
initiate access to a second network device at a second security level
using Zigbee device 422, and enable access to the second network device
using the second security level. Processor 402 can initiate receipt of a
second incoming message at the second security level, and upon receipt of
device data disable access to the second network device. As such,
controller 400 can use a single Zigbee device 422 to access multiple
network devices using more than one security level.

[0136] According to an aspect, controller 400 can be used to access more
than one wireless energy network. For example, processor 402 can initiate
using a first wireless communication device, such as Zigbee device 422,
to coordinate a first wireless energy network. Processor 402 can also
initiate using a second wireless communication device, such as a second
Zigbee device (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 4), or other wireless
device, to coordinate a second wireless energy network. As such,
processor 402 can access one or more network devices coupled to one or
more wireless energy networks. According to another aspect, a second
Zigbee device, or other wireless device can be used to join a second
wireless energy network instead of coordinating the second wireless
energy network. For example, the second wireless energy network can
include an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) enabled network
operably associated with an AMI enabled smart meter. AMI device 426 can
include a second ZigBee device, or other wireless communication device,
capable of joining an AMI enabled network of an AMI enabled smart meter
(not expressly illustrated in FIG. 4). As such, smart meter data can be
accessed by controller 400 as needed or desired. For example, AMI data or
smart meter data can be obtained on a periodic basis and communicated in
association with a site report having network device data. As such,
broadband device 414, wireless information network device 418, or other
information network devices can be used to site report data that can
include AMI data acquired using controller 400.

[0137] According to another aspect, controller 400 can use AMI device 426
to access an AMI enabled smart meter to alter an operating condition of a
network device accessible to controller 400 using Zigbee device 422. For
example, AMI device 426 can include an advanced metering infrastructure
(AMI) enabled interface capable of initiating access to an AMI enabled
smart meter. Controller 400 can use AMI device 426 to receive AMI data
from an AMI enabled smart meter. Processor 402 can be used to initiate
altering an operating condition of a network device in response to
detecting AMI data received from the AMI enabled smart meter. Processor
402 can further be used to detect a smart energy control request output
by an AMI enabled smart meter, and initiate using the smart energy
control request at the network device.

[0138] In some forms, a control request may be obviated by controller 400
by not allowing an AMI initiated control request to be enabled. For
example, processor 402 can access home profiles 446 and determine whether
a control action initiated by an AMI enabled smart meter should be
enabled or disabled. As such, controller 400 can be used to monitor
control actions being output by an AMI enabled smart meter or other
utility provided system, and alter the request as desired. For example, a
user may create a home profile 446 that would not allow for a curtailment
action of a network device. In other forms, home profile 446 may enable a
curtailment action over a period or schedule, and disable a curtailment
action over another period or schedule. As such, controller 400 can
determine a valid period or schedule to enable and disable a curtailment
action initiated by an AMI enabled smart meter.

[0139] According to a further aspect, controller 400 can reset an
operating condition in the event an AMI enabled smart meter alters an
operating condition of a network device. For example, an AMI enabled
smart meter may be able to control a network device. Controller 400 can
monitor an operating condition of the network device, and in the event an
operating condition has been altered to a setting that is not scheduled
by controller 400, controller 400 can respond to the operating condition
by notifying a user, or automatically altering the operating condition to
a preferred setting.

[0140] According to another aspect, controller 400 can be used to access
an information network outside of the wireless home energy network. For
example, information network interface 416 can be configured to access an
information network using broadband device 414, wireless information
network device 418, external bus interface 420, or any combination
thereof. According to an aspect, wireless information network device 418
can include a subscriber based network device, or in other forms can
include a WIFI network access device, or various combinations thereof.
According to an aspect, wireless information network device 418 can
include WIFI device 424 that can be used to access an information
network. As such, WIFI device 424 can be used to access an information
network, an wireless energy network, a local wireless information
network, or any combination thereof.

[0141] According to an aspect, controller 400 can use WIFI device 424 to
be coupled to a WIFI enabled communication device such as a mobile
device, smart phone, home computer, laptop computer, Netbook, or any
other WIFI enabled device capable of connecting to a WIFI network.
Communication interface 430 and processor 402 can be used to enable a
WIFI enabled communication device to access network device data, site
data, or any combination of data accessible using the wireless energy
network. Control actions can also be requested using the WIFI enabled
communication device and connection to control a network device coupled
to the wireless energy network accessible by controller 400. For example,
a mobile device access a WIFI network can be used to access a wireless
energy network having a network device. In other forms, controller 400
can include a web server capable of communicating web services that can
be accessed by a mobile device (or other system or device), via a web
based environment. For example, controller 400 can output portions or all
of a graphical user interface as described in FIGS. 7-10 herein, or other
graphical user interfaces that can be output by a web server. As such, a
user having a WIFI enable communication device can be coupled to
controller 400 using WIFI device 424 and monitor, create and manage
operating conditions, home profiles, user profiles, device profiles, user
schedules, proximity detection, demand response preferences, energy
savings preferences, other control settings, view site data, or any
combination thereof. Other settings and operating conditions can be
accessed, monitored, or managed as needed or desired.

[0142] According to another aspect, controller 400 can include proximity
detection module 438 that can be accessed by processor 402 to enable and
disable proximity control at a site. For example, proximity detection
module 438 and processor can be used to detect a distance between a
mobile device having a location reporting device and the site. Processor
402 can be used to identify a current operating condition of a network
device, and identify an updated operating condition of the network device
in response to the detected distance. Processor 402 can be used to
initiate generation of an outgoing message to include an updated
operating condition in response to the distance. According to a further
aspect, controller 400 can be configured to receive location data using
an information network having a server configured to communicate location
data associated with a mobile device having a location reporting device
that is associated with a site. Location data can be stored within memory
404 and used to monitor a distance and direction between a site and the
mobile device. As such, controller 400 can initiate control actions using
the location data, and the location data need not be stored in a server
remotely located to a site. Various control actions can be generated
using various types of conditions including detecting a distance,
determining a control zone having a distance or interval, travel pattern
of a mobile device, monitoring current and future weather data,
monitoring real-time traffic data, monitoring energy pricing data,
monitoring home efficiency data, or using any combination of energy
management information in association with providing proximity control of
a site.

[0143] According to an aspect, controller 400 can include a plug computer
employing a Linux based server configured to manage energy use at a site.
For example, controller 400 can include a Java enabled processor as
processor 402, memory 404 configured to store incoming and outgoing
wireless energy network messages, Zigbee device 422 capable of accessing
a wireless energy network, and information network interface 416 capable
of initiating communication with an information network. Controller 400
can also include communication interface 430 operably coupled to bus 408
and Zigbee device 422 coupled to bus 408. Through utilizing a Java
enabled processor and Linux operating system, controller 400 can deploy a
web server (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 4) and a Java environment
to handle and convert XML data received using a web server into Java
objects that can be used to communicate network device data and various
other types of data.

[0144] For example, processor 400 can be used to convert an incoming
message received from a wireless energy network using the Zigbee device
422 into XML enabled output data. Processor 402 can format an outgoing
message to be output to a wireless energy network using XML enabled input
data that includes a network device identifier of a network device
accessible using a wireless energy network. Communication interface 430
can be configured to detect the outgoing message formatted by processor
402 to be output using the wireless energy network, and configure the
outgoing message to a message bus format to be output to communication
bus 408. In some forms, the outgoing message can include network device
data configured to be output to a wireless energy network. Communication
interface 430 can further detect an incoming message received from a
wireless energy network that includes incoming network device data.
Communication interface 430 can be used to convert the incoming message
accessed from bus 408 from the message bus format to detect incoming
network device data that can be output to processor 402. Processor 402
can then be used to generate site data including the network device data,
and a site report that can be communicated using information network
interface 416.

[0145] FIG. 5A illustrates a block diagram of a mobile device, generally
illustrated at 500, according to an aspect of the disclosure. Mobile
device 500 can be configured as a smart phone or handheld computer,
tablet, and the like such as an I-Phone® device, a Blackberry®
device, an Android® device, an IPad® or various other devices or
systems. Mobile device 500 can include a processor 502, a memory 504, an
I/O device 506 such as a keypad, touch screen, function buttons, a mini
qwerty board, or any other type of input device capable providing control
of mobile device 500 or any combination thereof. I/O devices 506 can also
include a speaker for outputting sound, and a microphone for detecting
sound. Mobile device 500 can also include a display 508 such as color LCD
display, touch screen display, or any combination thereof. According to a
further aspect, one of more of 110 devices 506 can be displayed within
display 508 having touch screen capabilities, such as selectable GUI
elements that can be used to control features, functions, or various
other application of mobile device 500. As such, mobile device 500 can be
configured to use numerous applications that output graphical elements
configurable to control mobile device 500 and applications accessible by
mobile device 500.

[0146] According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can also include
an energy management application 510 accessible to processor 502 and
configured to enable a user to manage energy use of at a site in a mobile
environment. Mobile device 500 can also include a location reporting
device 515, such as GPS technology, cell tower location technology,
triangulation technology or any combination thereof. Portions of location
reporting device 515 can be located within mobile device 500 however in
other forms, a wireless network can include functionality that can be
selectively accessed to detect a location of mobile device 500.

[0147] According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can also include a
network interface 514 configurable to enable access to a WWI device 516,
a Bluetooth device 518, a ZigBee device 520, or any combinations thereof.
According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can also include a
wireless data network device 522 that can be configured with one or more
RF radios capable of connecting to one or more wireless networks such as
a 3G network, 4G network, PCS network, EDGE network, cellular network, or
any combination thereof.

[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, mobile device 500 can also include an
energy management user interface 530 capable of being displayed within
display 508. Energy management user interface 530 can include a user
information section 532 that can display various types of user data such
as a location of a site being managed, an energy provider providing
energy to the site being managed, an energy personality of the user based
on the user's interaction with energy use at the residential site, or
various other types of user profile information.

[0149] According to a further aspect, energy management user interface 530
can include a current readings section 534 configured to display a
current readings and operating conditions of a site. For example, current
readings can include a current inside temperature, outside temperature,
proximity setting, energy alert setting, savings rate, status of network
devices being managed such as lights, HVAC system, hot water heater
system, sprinkler system, refrigerator system, washing machine system,
distributed energy generation system such as a solar array, battery
storage device, fuel cell, wind turbine generator, or any combination
thereof. Other network devices can also be managed as needed or desired.
Current readings section 534 can include a selectable graphical element
that can be selected to access additional site information. Site
information displayed within current readings 534 can be accessed from a
remote server capable of managing or storing site reports that include
site data and device data. In other forms, site information, current
reading, operating conditions, or any combination thereof can be accessed
using a WIFI device 516 of mobile device 500.

[0150] According to a further aspect, energy management user interface 530
can include a current settings section configured to enable a user to
alter an operating condition of a network device being managed. For
example, current settings section 536 can include current setting of one
or more thermostats at a site, settings of any other network device being
managed at a site. Current settings section 536 can also include general
settings to manage a site. For example, a general setting can include a
proximity detection setting, a demand response setting, an energy alerts
settings, a savings setting, schedules, calendars, events, a vacation
setting to enable a vacation schedule, or any other type of setting that
can be used to manage energy consumption or network devices at a site, or
any combination thereof. Current settings section 536 can also include a
graphical element that can be selected to access additional settings as
needed or desired.

[0151] According to a further aspect, energy management user interface 530
can include a current savings section 538 configured to enable a user to
access energy savings information and adjust as needed or desired. For
example, an energy savings amount obtained at a site can be realized. A
user may also be able to access an energy saving selector (not expressly
illustrated in FIG. 58) to modify an energy savings level. For example, a
user can change a savings level to low, medium, high, or various other
savings metrics. According to another aspect, a user may access a
vacation mode (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 5B) and alter an
operating condition of a site by selecting a vacation mode using mobile
device 500. As such, various energy savings settings can be selected as
needed or desired.

[0152] According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can provide
proximity updates, site report requests, site control commands,
configuration data, settings, scheduling data, text messages such as SMS,
MMS and others, and various other types of information or data or any
combination thereof that can be used with an energy management system.
According to another aspect, mobile device 500 may not have full
functionality or capabilities of a smart phone or other device capable of
running an application. For example, a mobile device such as a cell phone
may not be capable of loading an application such as an energy management
application. However, the mobile device may have sufficient functionality
to allow an energy management system to contact the mobile device. For
example, an adverse operating condition may be detected at a site (e.g.
temperature set-point of thermostat is out of range, lights are left on,
etc.). As such, the energy management system can identify the mobile
device and send a message, such as a text message, an email message, or
any combination thereof, capable of being received and displayed by the
mobile device. In some forms, a user can receive the message and respond
to the message, enabling the user to control the operating condition of
the network device at the site. For example, the user can respond to the
message via a text message, an email message, or another messaging
application accessible to the mobile device. As such, a mobile device
that may not be able to run energy management application 510 can be used
to control an operating condition at an associated site.

[0153] During operation, a user can access operating status and generate
control actions to control a network device (not expressly illustrated in
FIG. 5A or 5B) at a site. For example, mobile device can receive and send
messages, such as text messages, HTTP enabled messages, XML enabled
messages, email messages, data, or any combination thereof. For example,
if an outside temperature at a site is increasing or forecasted to
increase, and the price of energy is increasing or scheduled to increase,
mobile device 500 can receive a message to inform the user of the
condition. The user can respond to the message as desired. In other
forms, a suggestion can be sent to the user. For example, a suggestion to
increase a thermostat or indoor temperature by three degrees can be
received by mobile device 500. Upon receiving the message, the user can
respond to the message using a text or other messaging technology. In
other forms, a user can access energy management application 510 and
initiate a control action to adjust the thermostat to different
set-point. In this manner, a user can become aware of a current operating
or forecasted condition in a mobile environment, and respond as needed or
desired.

[0154] According to another aspect, mobile device 500 can include a
portion or all of energy management application 510 running in the
background, in the foreground, or any combination thereof. According to
an aspect, energy management application 510 can be launched
automatically when a message or energy alert may be received by mobile
device 500.

[0155] According to a further aspect, energy management application 510
can be operable to work with an energy management system to update a
control action field within a database. For example, mobile device 500
and energy management application 510 can initiate updating a control
field within a database to identify a control action. Energy management
application 510 can further update a new set-point within the database.
As such, an energy management system can generate a control action report
or data during a site upload. In this manner, a user of mobile device 500
can update control setting using a remote server or energy management
system, and control actions can be generated to alter an operating
condition at a site.

[0156] According to another aspect, energy management application 510 can
output recommendation settings of a network device to the user. For
example, a user can select a low savings, medium savings, or a high
savings at a residential site using current settings 536. A user can
select a savings level, and mobile device 500 can communicate a message
to an energy management system. Associated with the site and mobile
device 500 to generate a control action to alter an operating condition
at a site based on a savings level setting. For example, an energy
management system can calculate new settings of one or more network
devices, intervals to set the network devices, start and stop times, and
the like. In some instances, settings can be determined based on a
forecasted weather, forecasted energy pricing, forecasted energy
availability, proximity of mobile device 500 from a site, or various
other types of data. Settings can be stored within a database and control
actions can be initiated as needed or desired.

[0157] According to a further aspect, an energy alert message received by
mobile device 500 can be used to alter or display an energy status icon,
alter an application icon, alter a status within a social network, or
various combinations thereof. For example, a user can then select the
energy status icon using mobile device 500 and an associated application
can be presented to a user to allow a user to alter an operating
condition as desired. In some forms, a user's election to reduce energy
consumption during peak times or other times can be fed into their social
network as an energy savings message or update. A user's energy
personality can also be output from mobile device or associated web
service to be updated within a social network as needed or desired.

[0158] According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can include
proximity detection module 524 operably associated with energy management
application 510 and location reporting device 512. Proximity detection
module 524 can be provided as a part of energy management application
510, location reporting device 512, may be provided as a separate module,
or any combination thereof. According to an aspect, proximity detection
module 524 can be used with location reporting device 512 to detect a
distance mobile device 500 may be from an associated site. For example,
proximity detection module 524 can be operated as a background process
that periodically requests a location from location reporting device 512.
Location reporting device 512 can use various location reporting methods
(e.g. GPS, triangulation, etc.) to detect a current location, and an
associated API of location reporting device 512. According to an aspect,
proximity detection module 524 can request an accuracy of a location to
be provided by location reporting device 512, and a response time. For
example, if a GPS signal may not be available to mobile device 500,
location reporting device 512 can be requested by proximity detection
module 524 to detect a location using a triangulation technique or other
technique within 500 milliseconds. In another form, proximity detection
module 524 can alter reporting parameters of location reporting device
512 in response to a relative location mobile device 500 may be from an
associated site. For example, mobile device 500 may be greater than five
(5) miles from an associated site, and location reporting device 524 can
alter a distance accuracy, response time, method used, or various other
location reporting parameters that can be selected.

[0159] According to another aspect, proximity detection module 524 can be
used to initiate altering an operating condition of an associated site in
response to a location of mobile device 500. For example, proximity
detection module 524 can be used to detect mobile device 500 being
greater than two miles away from an associated site, and a direction that
is moving away from an associated site. Proximity detection module 524
can output a location and direction to energy management application 510,
and energy management application 510 can detect whether to initiate a
control action at an associated site.

[0160] According to a further aspect, proximity detection module 524 can
be used to detect a location at a modifiable interval (e.g. one (1)
minute, five (5) minutes, etc.) to reduce the amount battery drain or
power consumption of mobile device 500. For example, as mobile device 500
may be moving away from an associated site, and an interval to access
location data using location reporting device 512 can be increased (e.g.
set from one (1) minute to three (3) minutes). In another form, as mobile
device 500 moves closer to an associated site, proximity detection module
524 request at location from location reporting device 512 at a shorter
interval (e.g. set from five (5) minutes to (1) minute). Various
combinations of intervals can be deployed as needed or desired. In other
forms, energy pricing at a period of time can also be used to alter
reporting of a location reporting device 512. Various other combinations
of using data to alter reporting of a location can also be used as needed
or desired to reduce battery consumption or other operating conditions of
mobile device 500.

[0161] According to a further aspect, proximity detection module 524,
energy management application 510, or another portion of mobile device
500, or any combination thereof can be used as an energy management
system. For example, an energy management system, such as energy
management system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, energy management system 600
illustrated in FIG. 6, an energy management system located at a site,
hosted within a network, a apparatus or device capable of energy
management, or any combination thereof can be used. According to an
aspect, an energy management system can receive location data reported by
location reporting device 512, and alter an operating condition of mobile
device 500 based on a relative location mobile device 500 may be from an
associated site. As such, an energy management system can be used to
alter an operating condition of mobile device 500.

[0162] According to another aspect, sampling of location reporting device
512 can be updated using energy management application 510, an energy
server operably associated with mobile device 500, or any combination
thereof. For example, mobile device 500 can be detected by an energy
management system as being between three and five miles from a site. An
energy management system or application can further detect mobile device
500 traveling away from an associated site. As such, access to location
reporting device 512 can be reduced thereby reducing energy consumption
of mobile device 500.

[0163] According to a further aspect, a user of mobile device 500 may
enter a building where a location based signal, such as a GPS signal, may
not be able to be accessed or have limited access. As such, a sampling
interval of location reporting device 512 may be altered to conserve
energy. Upon a user exiting a building and a location of mobile device
500 being detected, a sampling interval can be returned to a previous
value or a new value as needed or desired. According to further aspect, a
sampling interval can be sent to mobile device 500 from another source
such as an energy management system. In other forms, updated sampling
intervals can be stored within mobile device 500 and accessed as needed
or desired. In other forms, a distance from a site, a sampling interval,
direction, or various combinations of data can be communicated to mobile
device 500 to be used to alter access to location reporting device 512.

[0164] According to another aspect, mobile device 500 can include software
trap routines to be used when a location may go undetected. For example,
energy management application 510 can use proximity detection module 524
that accesses location reporting device 512 to obtain a location.
However, if a location is not obtained, or invalid, or any combination
thereof, a software trap routine can be used to keep the proximity
module, or background process from exiting. In this manner, energy
management application 510 and various modules, associated processes, or
any combination thereof can be continuously run without having to receive
valid location data, and terminating the background process.

[0165] According to a further aspect, mobile device 500 can incorporate
various portions or functionality of energy management system 200,
controller 300, energy management system 600, wireless thermostat 1200,
or various other systems, apparatuses, modules, GUI's or any combination
thereof described herein as needed or desired to manage energy use in a
mobile environment using mobile device 500. Additionally, mobile device
500 can use various types of data accessible to mobile device 500
including, but not limited to EMI data disclosed herein. According to an
aspect, an application icon (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 5B) can be
provided in a association with energy management application 510. For
example, an icon can be used to access energy management application 510
can in some forms, can be altered to display energy consumption
information, settings information or various other types of information
without a user having to launch energy management application 510. For
example, energy management application 510 can alter text information
(e.g. device settings, current readings, lights on/off, etc.). An example
can include displaying a current thermostat setting of a thermostat at a
site, altering a color of an icon based on an energy savings or
consumption level, alter a color based on proximity information, display
a current temperature within a site, or various combinations thereof. As
such, a user need not launch an energy management application 510 to EMI
data associated with a site.

[0166] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an energy management system,
generally illustrated at 600, according to another aspect of the
disclosure. Energy management system 600 can include a server 602
operable to be coupled a site 604. Server 602 can include a processor 606
and a database 608. Server 602 can include an external data source
interface 610 that can be coupled to an external data source 612 using a
network connection 614. External data source 612 can include one or more
data sources capable of providing access to EMI data, various other types
of data, or any combination thereof. According to a further aspect,
external data source 612 can also include third party sources. For
example, an external data source 612 can include subscription based,
non-subscription based, or any combination thereof of data having weather
conditions, traffic conditions, grid operating conditions, wholesale
energy prices, real-time energy pricing, dynamic pricing information,
fixed pricing information, forecasted energy pricing, forecasted energy
consumption, forecasted energy production, alternative energy production,
distributed alternative energy production, zonal demand or operating
conditions, nodal demand or operating conditions, or other EMI data that
can be accessed using a third party.

[0167] According to a further aspect, server 602 can also include a
network interface 616 that can be coupled to a network location 618 using
a network connection 620. Network location 618 can be used to access to
EMI data, various other types of data, or any combination thereof. Server
602 can also use network interface 620 to access a public network, a
private network, a semi-private network or any combination thereof.
According to an aspect, network interface 616 can include a network
communication device (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 6) and a web
server operable to enable access to the Internet or other communication
network. Server 602 can also include a site interface 622 that can be
coupled to site 604 using a network connection 624 operable to be coupled
to a home controller 626. According to an aspect, site interface 622 can
be realized as a web services based application configured to receive
information initiated by site 604.

[0168] According to an aspect, site 604 can also include a wireless
thermostat, TSTAT 628, operably coupled to NVAC system, HVAC 630. Site
604 can further include a mobile device 632 associated with site 604.
Mobile device 632 can be coupled to a mobile client interface 634, such
as a WAP or other mobile device gateway capable of communicating using a
mobile information network 636. According to an aspect, energy management
system 600 can be operably to provide a first zone 638 having a first
distance 640, and a second zone 642 having a second distance 642. First
zone 638 and second zone 642 can be used to control TSTAT 628 and HVAC
630. For example, first zone 638 and second zone 642 can be provided as a
boundary that can be determined in various ways to control one or more
energy consuming devices at site 604.

[0169] According to another aspect, server 602 and processor 606 can
include one or more processors having one or more core processors. Server
602 can also use any combination of software modules, firmware, encoded
logic, or any combination thereof to manage energy use. For example,
server 602 can use a scheduling module 648, a scheduling tool module 650,
a scheduling templates module 652, a control action report module 654, a
site data report module 656, an efficiency rating module 658, a set-point
update module 660, a proximity detection module 662, a zone update module
664, a current readings module 666, a demand response module 668, an
energy savings module 670, a message module 672, an interaction detection
module 674, an energy personality module 678, or any combination thereof.

[0170] According to an aspect, database 608 can be configured to store EMI
data, control action data, site report data or any combination thereof.
For example, database 608 can store data received from one or more
residential sites associated with server 602. For example, site 604 can
access TSTAT 628 using a wireless energy network deployed at site 604.
Processor 606 can be configured to access site report data stored within
database 608. Processor 606 can detect a current temperature set-point
within the site data and an associated date and time of TSTAT 628 at site
604. Processor 606 can detect a current temperature reading at site 604,
and can further detect seasonal settings stored within database 608. For
example, a seasonal profile can include seasonal settings that can
include settings of a winter schedule, a summer schedule, or various
combinations of seasons and settings. According to an aspect, processor
606 can detect a current operating mode of HVAC 630 operably coupled to
TSTAT 628, and determine a thermostat schedule to be used with TSTAT 628.
For example, if HVAC 630 may be in an A/C mode, a summer profile,
schedule and the like can be deployed which can include temperature
settings that can be different than a winter profile. For example,
scheduling module 648 can be used to determine a date, a time or time
interval, thermostat setting, operating mode, or any combination thereof,
and store a schedule within database 608.

[0171] According to another aspect, server 602 can also generate control
action reports using control action report module 654. For example,
processor 606 can initiate generation of a control action report to
communicate to site 604. A control action report can be generated in
various ways with various types of data and settings to control an
operating environment at site 604. For example, a control action report
can be generated by setting a control action field within database 608.

[0172] According to a further aspect, energy management system 600 can use
seasonal settings to control HVAC 630. For example, energy management
system 600 can detect an operating mode of HVAV 630 and alter a set-point
in using the detected operating mode and an associated seasonal profile.
For example, an updated temperature set-point can include a value between
a current temperature set-point and a minimum seasonal set-point in
response to the current operating mode of HVAC 630 being in a heating
mode. An updated temperature set-point can also have a value between a
current temperature set-point and a maximum seasonal set-point in
response to the current operating mode of HVAC 630 being in a cooling
mode. Server 602 can generate a control action report that can also
includes settings or data generated in response to an efficiency rating
of site 604, an estimated time period to generate an updated temperature
reading, an updated temperature set-point, a current energy price, and a
future energy price or any combination thereof.

[0173] According to another aspect, server 602 can be used to generate a
control action report using proximity detection module 662. For example,
processor 606 can detect a distance between a location reporting device,
such as mobile device 632 and site 604. Processor 606 can further detect
a zone, such as first zone 638, second zone 642 or additional zones as
desired. Using a detected zone, processor 606 can initiate generation of
a control action report to be communicated to site 604 in response to a
current zone. In this manner, various network devices (not expressly
illustrated in FIG. 6) at site 604 can be automatically controlled on a
zone by zone basis as mobile device 632 moves away from, or towards, site
604.

[0174] According to another aspect, one or more of the zones 638, 642,
additional zones (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 6), or any
combination thereof can be updated automatically using updated
conditions. For example, processor 606 can use a zone update module 664
on a periodic basis to update zones using various types of data. For
example, processor 606 can detect an efficiency rating of site 604,
detect an external temperature at site 604 from an external data source
612 or other sources, determine a real-time travel time between mobile
device 632 having location reporting capabilities and site 604. Processor
606 can modify distance 640, 644, or any combination thereof. For
example, an efficiency rating of site 604, external temperature at site
604, estimated real-time travel time to or from site 604, various other
EMI, or any combination thereof can be used. Although illustrated as
being sequential, zones 638, 642 can be modified independently, together,
or any combination thereof.

[0175] According to another aspect, server 602 can use proximity detection
module 662 to detect when mobile device 632 may be moving away from site
604, and adjust HVAC 630 using thermostat 628. For example, processor 606
can detect mobile device 632 moving away from site 604. Processor 606 can
further detect a percentage change value associated with a current zone,
and further detect a base set-point of TSTAT 628. Processor 606 can
further determine a difference between the base set-point, and a minimum
seasonal set-point in response to a current operating mode of the HVAC
630. For example, if the HVAC 630 is in a heating mode a percentage
change can be determined to adjust use of a heating unit.

[0176] According to a further aspect, server 602 can determine a
difference between a base set-point and a maximum seasonal set-point in
response to a current operating mode of the HVAC being in a cooling mode.
As such, processor 606 can determine an updated thermostat set-point as a
percent change based on the determined difference. Processor 606 can
initiate generation of a control action report including an updated
thermostat set-point to be used at site 604.

[0177] According to another aspect, server 602 can be used to generate an
aggregated demand schedule. For example, processor 606 can determine
energy demand of a plurality of residences in a region using scheduling
module 648. For example, processor 606 can identify a group of
residential sites within a specified region (not expressly illustrated in
FIG. 6) and access thermostat schedules of each of the residential sites
within the group. Processor 606 can also aggregate scheduling data using
thermostat schedules, and initiate an outputting of the aggregated
scheduling data. Aggregated scheduling data can include time intervals,
settings, etc. and in some forms can also include an estimate of energy
consumption based on an efficiency rating of residential sites,
consumption profiles, location data, or various other site attributes
that can be used to calculate an aggregated demand. According to an
aspect, aggregated data can be used to forecast load, energy production,
virtual capacity, demand response capacity, grid congestion, or any
combination of grid attributes that can use aggregated scheduling data.

[0178] According to another aspect, energy management system 600 can also
include a web services enabled scheduling tool to schedule energy use at
a residential site. For example, processor 606 can use scheduling tool
module 650 to generate a web based or network based graphical user
interface that includes a scheduling tool. FIG. 8A-D illustrate examples
of a web services enabled scheduling tool and user interfaces that can be
output using scheduling tool module 650. For example, processor 606 can
output a thermostat selector configurable to enable selection of one or
more wireless thermostats located at site 604. An event scheduler
operably associated with the thermostat selector and configurable to
enable a user to graphically select a utilization schedule of the one or
more wireless thermostats can also be output by processor 606. Processor
606 can also be used to update a utilization schedule to include a time
of day and temperature setting. Scheduling tool module 650 can be used to
control the one or more network devices that can include wireless
thermostats, smart appliances and the like. Scheduling tool module 650
can be used to output an energy savings preference selector configured to
graphically modify the utilization schedule, and display a resulting
energy savings, a weather forecasting tool, and various other types of
tools or scheduling features to assist in managing or scheduling use of a
network device.

[0179] According to another aspect, server 602 can also use interaction
detection module 674 to detect when a user may alter an operating mode of
a network device. For example, interaction detection module 674 can
detect when a user may adjust a thermostat at a specific time of the day,
and suggest a modification of a utilization schedule to a user during a
user access to scheduling tool output using scheduling tool module 650. A
user can then elect to have the utilization schedule updated to include
the suggestion as needed or desired.

[0180] According to another aspect, server 602 and scheduling tool module
650 can be used to enable additional features and functions. For example,
a scheduling tool can be used to display a proximity control selector
configured to enable and disable proximity control of a residential site,
a demand response selector configured to enable and disable participation
in demand response event, a vacation mode selector to enable and disable
a vacation schedule, an auto update selector configured to enable an
automatic update of the utilization schedule in response to a detection
of a user interaction with the one or more network device, or various
other controls that can be used to manage energy use at a site, or any
combination thereof According to another aspect, server 602 and
scheduling tool module 650 can be used to enable and disable demand
response capabilities. For example, a scheduling tool can used to provide
a demand response selector (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 6) operable
to be displayed with a scheduling tool. A demand response selector can
include several settings such as an always participate selection
configured to always enable a curtailment of an HVAC system in response
to a demand response event, a never participate selection configured to
not allow a curtailment of the HVAC system in response to a demand
response event, a request participation selection configured to initiate
a communication, such as an email, text message, instant message, social
network message, or various combinations thereof to the user to request
participation in a demand response event. A demand response selector can
be operably associated with demand response module 668 to initiate demand
response inquiries, analyses, and deployments.

[0181] According to another aspect, server 602 can also use scheduling
template module 652 to generate utilization templates that a user can
access and modify to schedule energy use. For example, a plurality of
energy templates can be accessed by a scheduling tool. Templates can
include a predetermined utilization schedule selectable by the user based
on a user's scheduling profile. A selected predetermined utilization
schedule can be modifiable by a user using a scheduling tool module 650,
and saved as needed or desired. According to an aspect, server 602 can
output an on-line questionnaire or survey that a user can participate in
to determine an energy template to use.

[0182] According to a further aspect, server 602 can also use energy
personality detection module 678 to detect an interaction profile of a
user. For example, a user may be an urban professional having a long work
commute which may result in a first portion of a utilization schedule.
Upon arriving at a residential site, a user may interact with their
thermostat to which will result in a different portion of a utilization
schedule. For example, a user may like an indoor temperature to be colder
when going to bed. As such, a personality of the user while away and
while at home can be used to automatically generate a user's schedule.
According to another aspect, an energy personality indicia or character
can be generated and output with a user's on-line scheduling tool, within
a user's social network, or any combination thereof. For example,
processor 606 can detect an interaction of a user with a wireless
thermostat, and display of an energy personality indicia in response to
the interaction. A user can then enable or disable display of the energy
personality indicia within a social network such as Facebook®,
MySpace®, etc. In other forms, processor 606 can be used to modify
the indicia based on an overall energy savings a user has accomplished at
their residential site. For example, processor 606 can use energy savings
module 670 to determine an energy savings of the individual and alter the
energy personality indicia accordingly. In another form, a user can set
up a messaging service or account using Twitter® and the like to
output energy savings updates to a subscriber base in response to an
energy saving initiate, participating in demand response events, alter
energy use, or various other forms. According to a further aspect, a
Twitter® account or other messaging service can be used on a
community basis to inform a group of individuals of energy management
events. For example, an "energy action day" or "energy alerts" can be
posted using a Twitter® account to subscribers and a subscriber can
curtail energy use using energy management system 600 or various other
energy management systems as needed or desired. Other forms of messaging
or any combination thereof can be used as needed or desired.

[0183] According to another aspect, server 602 can be used to determine a
sample size of residential sites and corresponding schedules to forecast
energy consumption over an interval. For example, processor 606 can be
used to determine a random sample size of residential sites in connection
with estimating an energy consumption of a specific region such as a zip
code, street or series of streets, substations supporting residential
sites, node-to-node, or any combination thereof or other methods of
determining a region. Upon identifying a sample size of a region,
residential sites can be identified within the region. For example,
processor 606 can then determine associated thermostat schedules of
residential sites within the specified region using scheduling module
648. Server 602 can output thermostat scheduling data of the plurality of
sites in connection with scheduling or forecasting energy use.

[0184] According to another aspect, server 602 can also be used to enable
a demand response initiated at site 604. For example, processor 606 can
use demand response module 668 to detect an enabled demand response
setting of site 604. Processor 606 can further detect a demand response
event condition and enable a curtailment action of HVAC 630 if a user of
site 604 has selected participation in a demand response event. An energy
reduction capacity of site 604 can be determined using efficiency rating
module 658, scheduling module 648, proximity detection module 662, or
various other modules, data sources, or any combination thereof.

[0185] According to another aspect, server 602 can also use demand
response module 668 to contact individuals prior to curtailing energy use
at site 604. For example, processor 606 can initiate a demand response
event request communication to communicate to the users of a plurality of
sites. Processor 606 can detect a user response level to participate in a
demand response event, and enable a curtailment of a corresponding HVAC
system or other energy consuming devices at a site of a user electing to
participate in the demand response event. In this manner, user's may not
be forced to participate in demand response events but can have real-time
election capabilities to participate as needed or desired.

[0186] According to an aspect, server 602 can send a text message that
includes a request to participate in a demand response event. In some
forms, a text message can include an agreement to pay the user to
participate in a demand response event. Payment can take various forms
such as credits, cash, rewards, points, contribution to education funds,
discounts on energy rates, or any combination thereof. Server 602 can
receive a response from using mobile client interface 634 and process the
response using message module 672 to determine a desire to participate or
not.

[0187] According to another aspect, server 602 can be used with scheduling
module 648 to determine an aggregate capacity to reduce energy
consumption. For example, processor 606 can be used to identify a group
of residences within the plurality of residences and determine an energy
reduction capacity of each of the residences within the group using an
efficiency rating of each of the residences within the group. Upon
determining an efficiency rating of each residence, processor 606 can
detect other data to be used to determine an available capacity. For
example, current weather conditions at each residential site can be
detected, a user's energy schedule or thermostat schedule can be used, a
response to text messages or emails electing to participate can be
determined, grid conditions can be used, or any combination thereof. Upon
estimating an available capacity, an aggregate energy reduction capacity
based on the energy reduction capacity of each of the residences within
the group can be determined.

[0188] According to another aspect, server 602 can use an aggregate energy
reduction capacity in association with an auction. For example, processor
606 can initiate an auction of virtual energy capacity to retail energy
providers electing to bid an available energy capacity. In other forms, a
third party can host an auction and energy management system 600 can
output an available capacity in association with an upcoming auction
event, peak demand period, transmission rate determination period, or any
combination thereof. For example, processor 606 can initiate an auction
process to sell the aggregate energy reduction capacity to a third party,
and detect a sale of the aggregate energy reduction capacity in
connection with the auction process. Upon a sale occurring, processor 606
can initiate a curtailment of an HVAC system, other energy consuming
devices, or any combination thereof, at each of the residences within the
group.

[0189] According to another aspect, energy management system 600 can
include mobile client interface 634 operable to be coupled to mobile
device 632 associated with site 604. For example, mobile client interface
634 can include a WAP gateway or other mobile client gateway to enable
server 602 access to mobile device 632. Mobile client interface 634 can
be provided as a part of server 602, however in other forms, portions or
all of mobile client interface 634 can be provided by a specific wireless
network provider. As such, mobile client interface 634 can be configured
to communicate with a specific carrier having a WAP gateway. Mobile
client interface 634 can be used to communicate EMI or control data
between WAP gateway and server 602 using any combination wireless or
terrestrial communication technologies. Additionally, WAP gateway can
also include logic or modules that can provide mobile device users access
to EMI data or control data generated by mobile device 632, server 602,
energy management system 600, or any portions and combinations thereof.

[0190] According to an aspect, mobile client interface 632 can receive a
site readings request of site 604 from mobile device 632. For example,
processor 606 can detect the site reading request and initiate access to
database 608 to retrieve site report data of site 604. Processor 606 can
format the site report data as mobile device data, and output the mobile
device data to mobile device 632 using mobile device network 636.

[0191] According to another aspect, mobile client interface 634 can
receive a request from mobile device 632 to modify a current temperature
set-point of HVAC system 630. For example, processor 606 can process a
received request from mobile device 632 and initiate generation of a
control report using control action report module 654. The control action
report can include a reference to an updated temperature set-point
communicated from mobile device 632 to mobile client interface 634.
Processor 606 can set a variable or field within database 608 to alter a
set-point. Upon site 604 initiating access to server 602, processor 606
can access a variable or field associated with site 604, and generate a
control action report or control data to be communicated to site 604
using site interface 622. As such, upon a temperature set-point being
updated at site 604, home controller 626 can communicate a control action
confirmation data, site report, status information, or various
combinations thereof to confirm the updated temperature set-point.
Processor 606 can output a confirmation of the updated temperature
set-point to the mobile client interface 634 upon receiving a
confirmation, and can output an updated temperature set-point to mobile
device 632.

[0192] According to another aspect, mobile device 632 can be used to
enable and disable operating modes of one or more network devices located
at site 604. For example, mobile device 632 can include a mobile
application loaded on mobile device 632 that can be used to control
settings at site 604. FIGS. 5A and B illustrate examples of energy
management application and functionality that can be used by mobile
device 632 although other applications and functions can also be deployed
using mobile device 632 as needed or desire. According to another aspect,
mobile device 632 can access a web based application associated with
server 602 using a web browser of mobile device 632 to enable and disable
operating modes or conditions at site 602. For example, mobile device 632
can alter a proximity setting, alter one or more environmental control
zones, access current readings, modify a vacation setting, modify energy
use schedules, or various other operating modes or data associated with
controlling or maintaining operating modes of network devices located at
site 604 as needed or desired.

[0193] According to another aspect, energy management system 600, can be
used to send messages to mobile device 632 in connection with an altered
operating condition at site 634. For example, processor 606 can access
site data received from site 604, and further detect a manual input
condition provided at TSTAT 628. For example, a user may have decreased a
temperature set-point of TSTAT 628. Processor 606 can detect whether a
user is at home using location data received from mobile device 632 and
proximity detection module 660. Upon detecting the condition, processor
606 can determine if it should initiate a text message indicating the
manual input condition. For example, processor 606 can use message module
672 to format and output a text message indicating the condition change
of TSTAT 628, and output the text message using mobile client interface
634. A user can then alter the condition using mobile device 632 as
desired. In other forms, an email message or other electronic message can
also be sent to a user. For example, a message can be displayed within a
window of a computer system associated with the user. In other forms, a
text message can be sent to multiple mobile devices associated with site
604. Various other combinations of alerting a user of site 604 of a
manual change to an operating condition can be used as needed or desired.

[0194] FIG. 7 illustrates an energy management user interface (EMUI),
illustrated generally at 700, according to an aspect of the disclosure.
In some forms, EMUI 700 can be accessed using a mobile device, desktop
computer, Netbook, laptop computer, smart phone, a energy display device,
a smart thermostat, a home automation control terminal, and IPad® or
any combination of devices capable of displaying energy management user
interfaces.

[0195] According to an aspect, EMUI 700 can include a user information
section 702 configured to display one or more user names 704, a
residential site address 706, a mobile phone number 708 associated with
residential site address 706. User information section 702 can further
display a current energy provider 710 associated with residential site
address 705, and a current best rate 712 of a third party energy provider
available at residential site address 706. An advertisement 714 section
can also be displayed, and an edit details link 716 can be displayed to
enable a user to access, edit, modify, delete, manage, etc. information
displayed within user information section 702. FIG. 9 described herein
includes an example of a user interface that can be used to edit user
information displayed within user information section 702. User
information section 702 can also display an energy personality 740
associated with hers name 704. Energy personality 740 can also be linked
to one or more social networks as needed or desired.

[0196] According to a further aspect, a current readings section 718 can
be displayed within EMUI 700. Current readings section 718 can include,
for example, a current date and time section 720 with a current inside
temperature and outside temperature at a residential site. Current
readings section 718 can further include a current thermostat set-point
722 of a thermostat located at a residential site. More than one
thermostat can be deployed at a residential site and current thermostat
set-point 722 can include references such as "Main", "2", "3" or some
other indicia configured to enable access to current thermostat readings
of multiple thermostats at a residential site. A user can also modify the
name or number of a thermostat, zone, etc. using an edit feature of
thermostat set-point 722.

[0197] According to a further aspect, a current readings section 718 can
also include an energy savings level 724 configured to indicate a savings
level that relates to current thermostat set-point 722. For example, as
current thermostat set-point 722 is set to a low set-point, an air
conditioner unit may run more frequently and cause a low energy savings.
As such, a visual indication of an energy savings can be displayed in
association with a current set-point giving a user feedback on energy
consumption based on a thermostat set point. In some forms, a user can
adjust a thermostat set-point up or down, and an energy savings level can
be altered in near real-time based on the users selection. For example,
various programming languages such as DHTML, AJAX, Flash, HTML 5, and the
like can be used to show a near real-time update of one or more fields
within EMUI 700.

[0198] According to a further aspect, EMUI 700 can also include a demand
response notification selector 726 configured to enable participation in
demand response events, disable participation in demand response events,
and enable a text message (or other messages) to be sent to a user to
request participation in a demand response event. According to a further
aspect, EMUI 700 can also include a proximity detection selector 728
configured to enable proximity detection of one or more mobile devices
associated with a residential site.

[0199] According to another aspect, EMUI 700 can also include an energy
usage/savings section 730 that can display a current annual savings 732,
a current monthly savings 734, a demand response savings 736, and a view
more data link 738. According to an aspect, view more data link 738 can
be operably associated with accessing portions or all of EMUI 800
described in FIG. 8.

[0200] FIG. 8 illustrates an energy management user interface operable to
report energy usage and savings information, illustrated generally as
EMUI 800, according to a further aspect of the disclosure. According to
an aspect, EMUI 800 can include an energy usage/savings section 802,
operable to display a current annual savings 804, a current monthly
savings 808, and a current demand response savings 808 realized by a user
participating in demand response events. EMUI 800 can also include an
estimated annual savings section 810, a managed vs. unmanaged energy
consumption graph 812, and a comparative consumption graph 814. According
to an aspect, a user can select a comparison graph that includes a
community graph configured to compare a user's energy consumption to
others in a residential community, a state comparison graph configured to
compare a user's energy consumption to others within a state, and a
national graph configured to compare a user's energy consumption to a
current national average.

[0201] According to a further aspect, EMUI 800 can also include a daily
usage graph 816 configured to indicate energy consumption and savings on
an hour-by-hour basis. For example, if a user selects a medium energy
savings settings, daily usage graph can display a daily savings in
dollars, KWh or any combination thereof. Daily usage graph 816 can
further include a graph indicated what the consumption would have been if
energy use was left unmanaged. According to a further aspect, daily usage
graph 816 can also include a day selector 818 configured to enable a user
to select a day of the week to view energy consumption and savings.

[0202] According to another aspect, EMUI 800 can also include a monthly
usage and savings graph section 820 configurable to output monthly energy
usage and savings information of each day of the month. For example, a
monthly graph can include a daily, weekly, or other pairing bar graph
configured to display a monthly energy usage and savings at a residential
site. A user can navigate between a month using month selector 822 and a
specific month's consumption and savings graph can be displayed. In some
instances, only a portion of a specific month's data may be available to
be displayed. As such, only a portion of a graph may be displayed as
desired. According to a further aspect, monthly usage and savings graph
section 820 can also include an link to access annual savings as needed
or desired.

[0203] According to another aspect, EMUI 800 can further be used to access
and display performance data of an adjacent home, a similar sized home,
one or more of the same or similar energy consuming devices (e.g. HVAC,
hot water heater, other smart appliances), or any combination thereof
EMUI 800 can compare performance of each of the other residences and
devices, and provide feedback to a user about the user's relative
performance. For example, EMUI 800 can output a visual indication of
power consumed, such as a graph, chart, etc. In other forms, a comparable
residential site can also be displayed using EMUI 800. For example, a
same or similar sized home can be used as a baseline comparison.

[0204] In other forms, EMUI 800 can be used to enable a user access to
energy efficient devices and systems, and a user can forecast energy
reduction and savings through use of an energy efficient system. As such,
energy consuming devices that may be introduced and have a greater
efficiency rating can be identified and communicated to a consumer.
According to another form, EMUI 800 can display a click-through or
micro-site to allow a user to access third party product energy efficient
offerings. In other forms, EMUI 800 can enable access to a "green energy"
marketplace that will enable a user to review energy efficient products
and services. Such products and services can be selected by a user and
associated XML data, meta data, and the like can be fed into EMUI 800.
EMUI 800 can be configured to use the third party data and refresh data
displayed within EMUI 800 to display an estimated saving if used at the
user's residential site. As such, EMUI 800 can determine an estimate of
what energy savings may be for their residential site, allowing a user to
make an informed purchase decision. For example, a user may wish to add a
solar array or other type of energy producing system to their residential
site. EMUI 800 can be used to estimate the amount of energy that may be
saved based on a user's actual historical energy use. As such, a payback
period associated with purchasing can be displayed to a consumer.

[0205] FIG. 9 illustrates an energy management user interface (EMUI)
operable to access and edit user and site information, illustrated
generally at 900, according to a further aspect of the disclosure. EMUI
900 can include a user profile 902 configured to display and enable a
user to edit changes to user information. User profile 902 can include a
user selector 904 configurable to add and remove user's associate with a
site, a user name field 906, an energy personality type field and/or
indicia 908, a social network selector 910, a residential site address
912, and a mobile number 914 associated with a residential site address
912. According to a further aspect, user profile 902 can also include an
energy text message alert selector 916, a proximity detection selector
918, and a current HVAC provider information field 920.

[0206] According to an aspect, user selector 904 can be configured to
enable a user to select a user data to edit. For example, multiple users
can be associated with a residential site and a user's information can be
accessed by selecting user selector 904. In other forms, a user can log
into a web site or other application and may only be able to have limited
access to user specific data associated with a residential site.
According to another aspect, user information selector 904 can be used to
add additional users to be associated with a residential site. As such, a
master user or administrator login can form (not expressly illustrated in
FIG. 9) can be provided to manage user information. In some aspects, a
user profile 902 can include pre-populated information to reduce the
amount of information a user may need to input. Additionally, information
associated with the residential site can be accessed and used with the
additional user as needed or desired.

[0207] According to a further aspect, EMUI 900 can also include an energy
provider section 922 which can include retail, utility, or third party
energy information. For example, a current energy provider can be
displayed and a current energy rate and plan currently being used can
also be displayed. Energy provider section 922 can also indicate a best
rate plan at a current provider, and a best local rate available through
another provider. Energy provider section 922 can also include a savings
calculator element 934 capable of initiating a savings calculation of the
residential site using a best available rate of a current provider, other
providers, or any combination thereof. Savings calculator element 9434
can also use historical site data, scheduling data of the residential
site, forecasted energy consumption, future energy pricing, or various
other EMI or any combination thereof to determine annual savings. Site
consumption can then be used to determine what an overall cost of energy
would be when using a given rate plan. Other intervals (e.g. monthly,
weekly, daily, etc.) can also be calculated as needed or desired. As
such, a user can identify a plan that would align with usage habits and
scheduling data at a residential site.

[0208] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, EMUI 900 can also
include a user posting and reviews section 924. User posting and reviews
section 926 can include a content selector 926 capable of selecting
energy blogs, green energy reviews, markets and the like. For example, as
a user selects `My Energy Slogs,` a list of energy blog titles can be
displayed including a user energy blog 928 configured to enable a user to
edit and publish their own energy blog. A user can publish their energy
blog to an energy blog websites, social networks, third party sites,
content providers, or any combination thereof. A third party energy blog
930 can also be listed within user posting and reviews section 926
allowing third party bloggers, articles, content providers, RSS feeds,
Twitter® Feeds, or any combination thereof, to provide content.
According to an aspect, a user can add a blog, news feed, social network,
Twitter® account, etc. to user posting and reviews section 926 as
desired. User selector within user posting and reviews section 924 can
allow a user can to select between user content associated with a site
and read/write/access privileges can be enabled and disabled accordingly.

[0209] According to a further aspect, user posting and reviews section 926
can also include a `Green Energy Reviews` section configured to review
energy saving products, environmentally friendly products, green energy
producing systems, or any combination thereof. User posting and reviews
section 926 can also include a `Markets` section configured to enable a
user to access green energy product websites or marketplaces having green
energy products. For example, a marketplace can be used to consolidate
available green energy products, such as smart appliances, and further
identify third party pricing and websites selling green energy products.
As such, a user can read reviews of new energy saving products and access
the energy products using user posting and reviews section 926. In some
instances, EMUI 900 can be used to enable E-commerce between a posting
site within markets section, green energy reviews section, retail energy
providers, etc. allowing a firm hosting EMUI 900 to be paid a portion of
revenue resulting from a sale.

[0210]FIG. 10 illustrates an energy management user interface (EMUI)
operable to schedule energy use at a residential site, illustrated
generally as EMUI 1000 according to a further aspect of the disclosure.
EMUI 1000 may be illustrated in association with managing one or more
user schedules, thermostats, HVAC systems, zones, sites or any
combination thereof. In other forms, EMUI 1000 can be modified to
schedule energy use of various energy consumption devices at a site as
needed or desired. Additionally, portions or all of EMUI 1000 can be
accessed using a computer system capable of accessing the Internet, can
be configured as mobile application that can be used with a smart phone
or handheld computer, tablet, and the like such as an I-Phone®
device, a Blackberry® device, an Android® device, an IPad® or
various other devices or systems, or any combination thereof.

[0211] According to an aspect, EMUI 1000 includes a thermostat display
1002 configured to enable a user to adjust a temperature of one or more
thermostats located at a residential site. Thermostat display 1002 can
include a date and time display, a thermostat selector 1004, and a
thermostat controller 1006. EMUI 1000 can also include a savings selector
1008 configured to enable a user to select a low savings level, a medium
savings level, or a high savings level. Savings selector 1008 can be
operably associated with an estimated savings display 1010 and a
scheduling tool 1012. For example, a user can select a low savings using
savings selector 1008 and an estimated savings can be calculated and
displayed within estimated savings display 1010. According to a further
aspect, a user can select a savings level using savings selector 1008. As
such, resulting thermostat settings can be displayed within scheduling
tool 1012 thereby providing a user a visual indication of a resulting
temperature setting. According to a further aspect, savings selector 1008
can also be operably associated with scheduling tool 1012 to display more
than one temperature setting at a time. For example, a low savings may
result in a temperature setting of sixty-five degrees, a medium savings
may result in a temperature setting of sixty-eight degrees, and a high
savings level may result in a temperature setting of seventy-four
degrees. Various combinations of values and display techniques can be
used as needed or desired.

[0212] According to a further aspect, scheduling tool 1012 can include a
seasonal schedule capable of allowing a user to schedule energy use based
on a season (e.g. spring, summer, fall, winter). For example, a first
site may be located in a hot climate and a second site may be located in
a cold climate. As such, an air conditioner may be used more frequently
during the summer months in a hot climate and can be associated with a
schedule being displayed. A user can select between a seasonal schedule
using scheduling tool 1012, and a schedule can be updated accordingly to
display a winter schedule. Various other seasonal schedules can be added
and removed as needed or desired. In other forms, scheduling tool 1012
can be used to access a current operating mode of an HVAC system and
display a seasonal schedule in response to detecting an operating mode.
For example, if an HVAC system may be operating in a heat mode, a winter
schedule can be displayed. Other seasonal schedules can also be displayed
within scheduling tool 1012 as needed or desired.

[0213] According to a further aspect, scheduling tool 1012 can include a
current inside and outside temperature display 1014, and a schedule
selector 1016 capable of displaying a user schedule of a first user, a
second user, a vacation schedule, or any combination of schedules. For
example, a user may use scheduling tool 1012 to schedule energy use at
multiple sites. As such, scheduling tool can display a second site
associated with a specific user. Additional schedules can be added as
needed or desired, and access privileges also can be set by a current
user using user information profile such as user profile 902 illustrated
in FIG. 9 or any other privileges or logic capable of setting access
privileges.

[0214] According to a further aspect, scheduling tool 1012 can also
include a weekly schedule display section 1018, and a time span display
section 1020 configured within a schedule 1022. Weekly schedule display
1018 can also be configured to show current dates or a series of dates,
and can further include forecasted weather conditions of each day. A user
can navigate to another week by selecting tab 1024 configurable to enable
a subsequent weekly schedule to be displayed as desired. According to
further aspect, schedule 1022 includes a plurality of cells generally
illustrated at scheduled events 1026 that can be modified as desired to
schedule energy use. Schedule events 1026 can include a time interval and
setting of a network device, such as a thermostat, being scheduled. A
cell can also include an indicator, such as `adapt?` indicator 1028 to
identify an auto-schedule suggestion detected by an energy management
system operably associated with EMUI 1000. For example, when a user may
be at a site, a user may desire to have a temperature decreased to
seventy eight degrees on Saturday prior to nine (9) P.M. As such, an
auto-schedule suggestion can be detected and an adapt? indicator 1028 can
be displayed to enable a user to have a schedule adapted automatically.
Adaption suggestions can be provided to users in other ways and need not
be limited to being displaying within schedule 1022.

[0215] According to a further aspect, EMUI 1000 can also provide access to
view templates selector 1030 that can be used to schedule energy use. For
example, view templates selector 1030 can be used to display
predetermined schedules within scheduling tool 1012. A user can then
modify portions of a selected template to their preference as needed or
desired. In other forms, a series of questions can be asked to a user to
determine a template to display. For example, scheduling tool 1012 can
enable access to a short questionnaire to detect a user's day-to-day
schedule. For example, a user can be an urban professional, a housewife,
a single parent, a soccer mom, an empty nester, or various other
demographics. As such, EMUI 1000 can be adapted to hide scheduling tool
1012 until a survey or series of questions is completed, and then display
a resulting schedule within scheduling tool 1012.

[0216] According to a further aspect, EMUI 1000 can be adapted to display
a list of selectable templates and can allow a user to select and display
each template. Upon identifying a template, a user can then save an
identified template as a user schedule. In some forms, a user's site
location can be determined in advance and templates can be generated
based on a location of a site (e.g. warm climate vs. cold climate). As
such, view templates can be generated based on a site profile, a user
profile, user characteristics, site data, or various other types of data
capable of being used to generate a template that can be used by a user.

[0217] According to a further aspect, scheduling tool 1012 can also
include an add addition time span selector 1034 configured to enable a
user to add an additional time span within time span display section
1020. Scheduling tool 1012 can also include a view additional time slot
selector 1032 configured to enable a user to scroll to additional time
slots that may be output using scheduling tool 1012. For example, a user
can select additional time slot selector 1032 and scheduling tool 1012
can be updated to display scheduled events of each day simultaneously. In
this manner, a user can scroll additional time slots and days of the week
as needed or desired.

[0218] According to a further aspect, EMUI 1000 can also include a
proximity detection selector 1036. For example, a user may enable
proximity detection using proximity detection selector 1036, and energy
use at a site may be altered based on a users distance to the site. A
user's mobile device number can be associated with a site and can allow a
user to enable and disable proximity detection selector 1036. In some
forms, proximity detection selector 1036 can be hidden, displayed,
selectable, or any combination thereof in response to a user having a
mobile device capable of being detected when a user is at or away from a
site.

[0219] According to another aspect, EMUI 1000 can a energy alert text
message selector 1038 configured to enable a text message to be sent to a
user's mobile device. For example, during a high energy use day, an
energy action day may be identified and a utility company or other entity
may publish a warning indicating that a high energy use day may be
occurring. As such, a user can receive a text message indicating the
situation. In some forms, a can respond to the text message and alter
their energy use schedule. For example, a user can respond to a request
to alter their energy savings setting from a medium to a high. As such,
scheduling tool 1012 can be modified to initiate a high energy savings
schedule at a user's site. In other forms, energy alert text message
selector 1038 can be used to enable a user to receive demand response
requests via a text message. For example, a demand response request can
include a requested time interval, new temperature setting, estimated
savings, other demand response data, or any combination thereof within a
text message. A user can then respond to the text message to participate,
not participate, partially participate, or any combination thereof. Upon
responding, a user's schedule can be modified as needed or desired.

[0220] According to a further aspect, EMUI 1000 can also include a
vacation mode settings 1040 to enable a user to initiate use of a
vacation mode or schedule. For example, vacation mode settings 1040 can
include a vacation mode selector 1042 to turn a vacation mode on or off.
Vacation mode settings can also include a schedule have date selector
1044 and a schedule return date selector 1046. A calendar (not expressly
illustrated in FIG. 10) can be displayed to enable a user to select an
interval of dates when they will be on vacation. As such, reduced energy
use can be realized by altering a temperature setting. For example, a
schedule can be increased to a high energy saving mode in association
with the vacation mode being selected. In other forms, a user may have
input or selected a vacation schedule to be used when vacation mode may
be selected. Various combinations can be used as needed or desired.

[0221] During use, upon a user accessing EMUI 1000, EMUI 1000 can display
a current date and time, and can further highlight a current cell within
scheduling tool 1012 that corresponds to a current data and time. A user
can select a thermostat to adjust using thermostat selector 1004, and a
schedule of a selected thermostat can be displayed within scheduling tool
1012. A user can adjust a current set-point using thermostat controller
1006, and a corresponding temperature within a current cell can be
adjusted accordingly. In another form, a user can select a cell to be
modified. For example, a user may want to modify a temperature setting or
scheduled event set for Tuesday, between eight (8) A.M and five (5) P.M.
As such, a user can select the appropriate cell and further adjust a
temperature up or down using thermostat controller 1006. A new setting
can be displayed within the selected cell. According to a further aspect,
a user can use savings selector 1008 to adjust a savings to be realized
on a specific day. As such, a resulting temperature setting can be
displayed within a selected cell.

[0222] In other forms, a user can select a time span cell to adjust. For
example, a user can modify a current time span cell by selecting a
specific cell. Upon selection of a specific cell, scheduling tool 1012
can highlight which cells may be affected by modifying a time interval. A
user can then modify an interval accordingly as needed or desired.

[0223] According to a further aspect, a user can select a day of the week
to modify. For example, a user can select `MON` and a background color
can be altered to indicated that each of the MON cells can be modified.
In a form, a user can update each cell as desired, can alter one or more,
or all MON cells using savings selector 1008 as needed or desired.

[0224] According to another aspect, EMUI 1000 can be used to activate a
one or more schedules. For example, a first user schedule can be
activated over a period of time and then a second user schedule can be
activated over another period of time. A user can also activate a
vacation schedule that include an scheduled events to optimize energy
savings when nobody is present at a site. In other forms, a first user
schedule can be compared to a second user schedule, and events at a site
can be scheduled accordingly. For example, a first user schedule may be
active during an evening time and may override a second user schedule. In
other forms, a second user schedule may be activated in the morning to
accommodate an individual that may remain at home during the day. As
such, EMUI 1000 can be used to generate multiple schedules to
automatically control energy use at a site as needed or desired.

[0225] According to an aspect, portions or all of EMUI 1000 can be
provided as a hosted application that can allow a user to access site
reports, historical consumption data, real-time consumption data,
operating status of energy consuming devices, control interface to
control energy consuming devices, a scheduling interface to schedule
utilization and consumption of energy, an inventory tool that will show
real-time and historic energy consumption of each energy consumption
device within the home, or any combination thereof.

[0226] According to a further aspect, portions of all of EMUI 1000 can
include a user interface that can report a current operating condition,
and can further include control logic capable of providing a user access
to a smart appliance or control system at a site. For example, if a
demand response condition may be detected within an energy transmission
system, EMUI 1000 can be used to output the condition to a user. A user
can then alter an operating status of one or more energy consuming
devices at a site.

[0227] According to another aspect, a site can include multiple users that
can access and control settings at a site using EMUI 1000. Additionally,
a site can include multiple thermostats that can be managed remotely and
controlled by a user. For example, a thermostat in the upper portion of a
home can be displayed via a web browser or application on an mobile
device such as a Blackberry®, I-Phone®, Android®, I-Pad®
and the like. A user can select a thermostat using thermostat selector
1004, and adjust the thermostat to a first setting. In some forms, the
thermostat settings may have a different effect on the actual temperature
within various portions of the home. As such, a user may want to select
the desired temperature within at a site, and EMUI 1000 can be used to
calculate thermostat settings to achieve the desired temperature. In
another form, EMUI 1000 can be used with an energy management system such
as energy management system 600 in FIG. 6, or other systems. A thermal
response of a zone, room, site, or any portion thereof can be determined
and setting of one or more thermostats can be automatically determined to
achieve a desired temperature.

[0228] In other forms, EMUI 1000 can be used in association with various
types of EMI data. For example, various EMI data such as current and
forecasted weather data, grid conditions, real-time pricing data, grid
congestions conditions, forecasted demand, or any combination thereof of
EMI data can be used to determine a setting recommendation that a user
can select. In this manner, a user's lifestyle and preferences can be
aligned with the real-time and forecasted conditions allowing a user to
make informed energy consumption decisions.

[0229] FIG. 11 illustrates a diagram of a network device, illustrated
generally as wireless thermostat 1100, according to an aspect of the
disclosure. Wireless thermostat 1100 can be used in association with an
energy management system, mobile device, energy management user
interface, or various other devices, systems, or any combination thereof.

[0230] Wireless thermostat 1100 can include a outside temperature display
1102, a weather forecast display 1104, and an inside temperature display
1106. Wireless thermostat 1100 can also include a thermostat setting
display 1108, a temperature increase input 1110, and a temperature
decrease input 1112. Various type of display technology having single
color, multicolor, or any combination thereof can be used with wireless
thermostat 1100, including, but not limited to LED displays, TFT
displays, OLED displays, LCD displays, flexible lighting displays, or any
combination thereof According to an aspect, wireless thermostat 1100 can
also include a mode switch 1114 and indicators 1116 configured to
identify a mode. For example, mode switch 1114 can be placed off, heat
mode, air condition model, or fan mode. An associated indicator above
each mode within setting display 1116 can be illuminated in connection
with an operating mode setting. In other forms, indicators 1116 can be
placed behind an associated text and illuminated to indicate a current
mode. For example, wireless thermostat 1100 can include a thin material
that can allow a backlight, such as LED lighting to illuminate and show
text. In another form, mode switch 1114 can include a push button or
toggle switch to enable a back light to display and select a mode.
Various other input and display methods or combinations thereof can be
used.

[0231] According to a further aspect, wireless thermostat 1100 can also
include a smart thermostat settings 1118. Smart thermostat settings 1118
can be programmable settings that can display a proximity mode 1122, a
vacation mode 1124, and a smart energy mode 1126. Smart thermostat
settings 1118 can be displayed based on a capability of a site, a current
operating mode of wireless thermostat 1100, a setting within a energy
management user interface such as EMUI 1100 and the like, an operating
mode of a mobile device, a location of a mobile device, an operating mode
of another network device accessible to an energy network, or various
other combinations of operating modes or settings accessible to wireless
thermostat 1118. For example, a user may want to activate proximity
detection to control wireless thermostat 1100 (and possible other network
devices) using proximity mode 1122. As such, a user can activate
proximity mode accordingly. In other forms, a user may be going on
vacation and can activate vacation mode 1122. In another form, a user may
activate a smart energy mode 1126, and an energy schedule provided by
EMUI 1100, associated settings, and the like can be deployed.

[0232] According to another aspect, wireless thermostat 1100 can include a
housing 1130 can having a material that can detect when a user touches
wireless thermostat 1100. For example, housing 1130 can be operably
coupled to a heat sensor, capacitive sensor, and the like configured to
detect when a user touches a portion of housing 1130. Upon detecting a
user contacting housing 1130, one or more displays or indicators of
wireless thermostat 1100 may illuminate. In this manner, energy consumed
by wireless thermostat 1100 can be realized by changing one or more
displays from a sleep state to a display state. According to a further
aspect, a portion or all of housing 1130 can include a material such as a
concealing material that can include characteristics such as
transparency, translucency, semi-transparency, semi-translucency,
opaqueness, other types of light altering material, or any combination
thereof capable of hiding one or more displays or indicators of wireless
thermostat 1100. For example, a backlight or LED can illuminate at a
surface of wireless thermostat 1100 giving an appearance of having the
display at or near a front surface of housing 1130. As such, housing 1130
with a concealing material can be mounted on a wall or other location
without having readings or settings persistently being displayed using a
display or other indicators.

[0233] According to an aspect, temperature control mechanisms 1110 and
1112 can include a mechanism (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 11) that
can allow housing 1130 to rock or shift left and right as a user contacts
mechanisms 1110 or 1112. Other orientations can also be used. For
example, wireless thermostat 1100 can mounted to a wall surface (not
expressly illustrated in FIG. 11), and a user can contact a temperature
increase mechanism 1110. Housing 1130 would rock slightly to the right.
In another form, at least a portion of housing 1130 can include a switch
mechanism similar to a mouse of a computer system that provides a
clicking sound or a mechanical feedback when temperature control
mechanisms 1110 or 1112 are engaged or touched. As such, a user can
realize a visual change of display 1108, and can further be provided a
mechanical feedback of a switching mechanism upon activation of a
switching mechanism. Various other orientations to rotate housing (e.g.
up/down, left/right, etc.) can be realized as needed or desired.

[0234] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a network device,
illustrated generally as a wireless thermostat 1200, according to another
aspect of the disclosure. Wireless thermostat 1200 be used with wireless
thermostat 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11 above or various other devices,
systems, or any combination thereof described herein. Wireless thermostat
1200 can include a temperature and humidity sensors 1202, and one or more
I/O devices 1204 to allow a user to provide an input to wireless
thermostat 1200. For example, I/O device 1204 can enable a user can to
select a mode (e.g. off, A/C, Heat, Fan, etc.), a smart energy mode (e.g.
proximity, vacation, smart schedule, etc.), or various other features or
combinations of features. Wireless thermostat 1200 can also include a
power interface 1206, and a bus interface 1208. Wireless thermostat 1200
can also include a processor or controller 1210, and one or more control
relays 1212 to control a remote unit such as an HVAC unit, heat pump,
other appliances, or any combination thereof.

[0235] According to a further aspect, wireless thermostat 1200 can also
include a one or more wireless devices 1214 capable of communicating with
one or more associated wireless networks, a memory 1216, and a display
interface 1218. Display interface 1218 can be configured to engage one or
more LCD displays, touch screens, one or more LEDs, or various other
display technologies illustrated generally as display 1222. Wireless
thermostat 1200 can also include a precision measurement unit (PMU) 1220
configured to measure consumed by an associated network device, and a
profile module 1224 that can include network protocol configuration data,
user profile data, device data, seasonal profile data, or various other
types of data that can be accessed during use of wireless thermostat
1200. According to an aspect, wireless thermostat 1200 is a
non-programmable thermostat that does not include an enabled programmable
thermostat scheduling feature accessible by a user engaging wireless
thermostat 1200. As such, a limited amount of scheduling functionality is
needed or desired within wireless thermostat 1200 and a user can use a
scheduling tool such as EMUI 1000 or various other features provided
herein to enable and disable use of wireless thermostat 1200.

[0236] FIG. 13 includes a block diagram of an energy management system,
illustrated generally at 1300, according to a further aspect of the
disclosure. Energy management system 1300 can be deployed at residential
site 1302 and can include an energy management apparatus or controller
1302. Controller 1302 can include portions or all of controller 400
described in FIG. 4 or any other type of system, device, apparatus, or
any combination thereof capable of deploying controller 1302.

[0237] According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include an application
program interface 1306 operably coupled to a processor or logic (not
expressly illustrated in FIG. 13) of controller 1302. Controller 1302 can
include a communication interface 1306 a wireless device 1308 configured
to access a first network 1314, a wireless device 1310 configured to
access a second network 1318, and a wireless device 1312 configured to
access a third network 1322. Controller 1302 can also include a network
device 1330 such as an Ethernet or other wireline communication device
capable of access an information network such as a LAN, WAN, the
Internet, and the like.

[0238] According to a further aspect, first network 1314 can be
communicatively coupled to a smart meter/AMI device 1316. According to
another aspect, second network 1318 can be communicatively coupled to a
wireless thermostat (TSTAT) 1320. According to a further aspect, third
network 1322 can be coupled to a mobile device 1324. According to an
aspect, mobile device 1324 can include a smart phone device such as a
Blackberry®, I-Phone®, Android® and the like, a laptop
computer system, a Netbook, an IPad°, or any other type of mobile
device.

[0239] During use, controller 1302 can be used to communicate information
from various networks to a wireless energy network to manage one or more
network device connected to a wireless energy network. For example,
second network 1318 can be configured as a wireless energy network
capable of enabling communication with a network device such as TSTAT
1320. Information can be received from information network 1332, and
processed by controller 1302 and output to TSTAT 1320 using API 1306 and
communication interface 1306. In other forms, information can be
communicated from mobile device 1324 to controller 1302 using third
network 1322 that may be different from second network 1318. Controller
1302 can detect information communicated from mobile device 1324 and
output information to TSAT 1320 using second network 1318 to TSTAT 1320.
As such, controller 1302 can provide a network bridge to enable
information communicated between various different types of networks.

[0240] According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include application
program interface 1306 configured to use at least a portion of an
incoming message communicated from an information network, an information
network, a utility network or any combination thereof. For example, an
incoming message can include at least a portion of a user energy
management schedule. Controller 1302 can initiate altering use of a
resource in response to detecting a portion of the first user energy
management schedule. For example, a schedule can include altering a
thermostat, lights, smart appliances, etc. Communication interface 1306
can further be operably coupled to application program interface 1306 and
configured to communicate information using a wireless device.

[0241] For example, communication interface 1306 can communicate with
wireless device 1310 capable of accessing a second network 1318 operable
as a wireless energy network. Although illustrated as a single
communication interface, communication interface can be provided as
multiple communication interfaces, a single communication interface, as a
multi-network communications interface, or any combination thereof. As
such, multiple networks can be accessed and communicated with as needed
or desired. For example, wireless device 1312 can be configured to
communicate using a WIFI enable communication protocol and wireless
device 1310 can be configured to communicate using a Zigbee enabled
communication protocol.

[0242] According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include wireless device
1312 configured as a WIFI enabled communication device operably coupled
communication interface 1306 and third network 1322 operable as a WIFI
network. Application program interface 1306 can be configured to receive
an energy management schedule communicated using an incoming message
received from third network 1322 as an incoming WIFI message. As such, an
energy management schedule or other EMI data can be communicated from a
WIFI enabled device, such as mobile device 1324 or other devices.
Controller 1302 can then use application program interface 1306 to
process the energy management schedule and initiate control actions to a
network device accessible to an energy network.

[0243] According to another aspect, controller 1302 can receive an first
energy management schedule using a first network, and receive a second
energy management schedule using a second network. For example, a first
energy schedule can be received using network device 1330 and can include
a first user energy schedule data. A second energy schedule can be
received using third network 1322 operable as a WIFI network. For
example, a user of mobile device 1324 can provide scheduling data,
control data, or various other energy management scheduling data.
Controller 1302 can then use portions of each schedule as needed or
desired, and initiate control actions using second network 1318 operable
as a wireless home energy network. For example, second network 1318 can
be configured as a Zigbee enabled network. As such, multiple networks
having scheduling information can be accessed and scheduling data of
multiple users can be used to control network devices accessible to an
energy network.

[0244] According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include output control
actions that have been received from more than one network to control a
network device accessible to an energy network. For example, wireless
device 1312 can be configured to receive control action data from third
network 1322 operable as a WIFI enabled network. Control action data can
be provided in association with a first user schedule using mobile device
1324. Controller 1302 can further receive a second control action data
from associated with a second user schedule, such as a utility schedule.
Second control action data or a second user energy management schedule
can be communicated using first network 1314 configured as an AMI enabled
network and smart meter/AMI interface 1316. Controller 1302 can then
detect whether to use the second control action prior to the first
control action.

[0245] According to another aspect, control action data of multiple user
schedules can be communicated using communication interface 1306 provided
as multiple communication interfaces. For example, wireless device 1312
can include a communication interface accessible to application program
interface 1306. Additionally, wireless device 1310 can include a
communication interface accessible to application program interface 1306.
As such multiple communication interfaces can be deployed to communicate
control action data of one or more user energy management schedule.

[0246] According to a further aspect, application program interface 1306
can be used to initiate use of a first control action of a first user
energy management schedule prior to using a first control action of a
second user energy management schedule prior to the first user energy
management schedule. For example, a second user energy management
schedule can include one or more control action that can have a higher
priority that a first user energy management schedule. As such,
controller 1302 and application program interface 1306 can initiate a
control action as needed or desired based on a priority.

[0247] According to a further aspect, controller 1302 can initiate a
control action or energy management schedule in response to a distance an
associated mobile device 1324 may be from site 1304. For example, a first
user energy management schedule may be deployed as a first user having
mobile device 1324 may be located at or near site 1302. As mobile device
1324 moves away from site 1302 (e.g. one mile, three miles, etc.), a
second user energy management schedule can be initiated and used by
controller 1302. In this manner, proximity detection of mobile device
1324 can be used to initiate a second user energy schedule.

[0248] According to another aspect, mobile device 1324 can output
scheduling data, control action data, energy management data, and the
like using third network 1322 configured as a WIFI enabled network. For
example, mobile device 1324 can include a application or scheduling logic
capable of initiating a user energy management schedule. Mobile device
1324 can encode or output control action data, and communicate the
control action data, scheduling data, and the like using a WIFI protocol
and messaging format.

[0249] According to an aspect, controller 1302 can include detect when
mobile device 1324 may be connected to third network 1322 and modify
operation of a network device accessible to controller 1302. For example,
mobile device 1324 can be coupled to third network 1322 operable as a
WIFI network, or other network capable of being deployed at site 1304. As
mobile device 1324 moves away from site 1304 and a network connection to
third network 1322 may be altered, controller 1302 can detect a change in
connectivity (e.g. weak signal, signal is lost, connection switches to
another hub, station, controller, and the like) to third network 1322, a
connection status of wireless device 1312 can be output to communication
interface 1306 and accessed by application program interface 1306. As
such, controller 1302 can detect whether to alter use of a resource or
network device accessible to controller 1302. For example, mobile device
1324 may be connected to third network 1322 using a WIFI connection. As a
WIFI connection is altered, controller 1302 can initiate altering an
operating condition of a resources such as TSTAT 1320, one or more
wireless devices 1308, 1310, 1312, or various other resources accessible
to controller 1302. For example, if a second user may be located at site
1304. a second user energy management schedule that may be different from
the first user energy management schedule can be deployed. For example, a
first portion of a second energy management schedule of a second user can
be enabled in response to the operating status of the resource.

[0250] According to another aspect, wireless device 1312 that may have
been configured to be coupled to third network 1322 can be placed in a
reduced operating condition to save power consumed by controller 1302. In
another form, proximity detection of mobile device 1324 can be initiated
to detect a location of mobile device 1324 when a WIFI connection or
other connection is altered. Additionally, mobile device 1324 may also
alter an operating condition by disabling a WIFI connection to third
network 1322. Mobile device 1324 can also initiate location reporting of
mobile device 1324, and controller 1302 can alter an operating condition
of a network device or resource in response to mobile device 1324 being
at a distance from site 1304.

[0251] According to another aspect, mobile device 1324 may be configured
to enable access to TSTAT 1320 using a network connection 1330 that can
include one or more wireless communication protocols. For example, a
network device such as TSAT 1320 can be coupled to mobile device 1324
using a WIFI connection, Bluetooth connection, or various other forms of
wireless communication. Upon connecting to TSTAT 1320, mobile device 1324
can be used to alter and operating condition of TSTAT 1320. As such,
mobile device 1324 having energy management capabilities can be used to
alter an operating condition of TSTAT 1320, various other network devices
at site 1304, or any combination thereof. For example, mobile device 1324
can include an energy management scheduling tool, such as portions or all
of EMU 1000 described in FIG. 10, to provide control inputs and
scheduling data directly to TSTAT 1320. As such, controller 1302 may not
be available to output control actions (e.g. a network connection may be
lost, etc.), or mobile device 1324 may have priority over controller 1302
to provide control inputs or energy managing scheduling information to
TSTAT 1320.

[0252] According to a further aspect, TSTAT 1320 can receive an input and
communicate status information, operating conditions, control actions, or
any combination thereof to a network resource, controller 1302, mobile
device 1423, smart meter/AMI 1316, or any other device, system, or
apparatus, or any combination thereof. According to an aspect, TSTAT 1302
can detect is a user altered an operating condition (e.g. change mode,
altered smart energy settings, etc.) and can communicate an operating
status change. In another form, TSTAT 1320 can alter an operating status
of another network device in response to an input to TSTAT 1320. For
example, a user may place TSTAT 1320 in a vacation operating mode. As
such, TSTAT 1320 can output an updated status to another network device,
controller 1302, mobile device 1324, or other network devices. For
example, a second TSTAT may be located at site 1304 (not expressly
illustrated in FIG. 13), and placed in a vacation operating mode using a
signal output by TSTAT 1320. In other forms, controller 1302, mobile
device 1324, or any combination thereof can be used to alter the
operating condition of the second TSTAT as needed or desired.

[0253] FIG. 14 illustrates a collaborative demand response system (CDRS),
illustrated generally at 1400, according to an aspect of the disclosure.
CDRS 1400 can include a server 1402 operably coupled to an information
source such as a database 1404. According to a further aspect, server
1402 can include portions or all of server 602 illustrated in FIG. 6, or
any other server capable of being deployed with CDRS 1400. According to
further aspect, database 1404 can include site data 1406, user profile
data 140, performance data 1410, or various other types of EMI data that
can be used in association with CDRS 1400 as needed or desired. According
to another aspect, CDRS 1400 can also include access to one or more
external data source 1412. CDRS 1400 can also interface with an energy
buyer/auction 1414 capable of buying available capacity of CDRS 1400.

[0254] According to a further aspect, CDRS 1402 can include a monitor
1416, a client interface 1418, and a site interface 1420. According to an
aspect, client interface 1418 can be coupled to a first mobile device
1422, a second mobile device 1424, a client system 1426, or any
combination thereof. For example, client interface 1418 can be configured
as a mobile client interface operable to communicate information using a
mobile network. In other forms, client interface 1418 can be coupled to a
client system 1426 using an information network such as the Internet.

[0255] According to another aspect, CDRS 1402 can include site interface
1420 configured to interface with multiple sites. For example, site
interface 1420 can be operably associated with first site 1428 and mobile
device 1422. In other forms, site interface 1420 can be operably
associated with second site 1430 and mobile device 1424. Site interface
1420 can also be operably associated with third site 1423 and client
system 1426. Various other combinations can also be used with CDRS 1400.

[0256] During use, CDRS 1400 can be used to determine a desire by an owner
of a site to participate in a demand response event. Server 1402 and
monitor 1416 can detect a current or future demand response initiative to
be deployed at a specific time. Server 1402 can detect an availability of
capacity in a specific region, and initiate an inquiry with a site owner,
user, administrator, etc. According to an aspect, a text message, email
message or other form of electronic or wireless messaging can be
initiated to detect a desire by a user to participate. Serve r1402 can
access site data 106 associated with a specific site to detect if a user
may have a default setting to participate. In other forms, a user a user
may have set a preference to be contacted via email or text message. As
such, server 1402 can initiate a message and detect a desire by one or
more users to participate.

[0257] According to a further aspect, server 1402 can access performance
data of each site elected to participate in a demand response event. For
example, historical site data of a site can be stored within database
1404, and performance of a participating site can be determined as
performance data 1410. According to an aspect, other EMI data can be
accessed from database 1404, external data source 1412, or any
combination thereof and used to determine performance of a site. For
example, current and future weather conditions can be used to determine
performance of a site. Taking weather conditions into consideration,
along with a thermal response or characteristic of a site, a capacity to
reduce energy can be determined on a site by site basis. The overall or
aggregate capacity and desire to participate can be sold to a third
party, monetized by an owner of CDRS 1400, or any combination thereof.

[0258] FIG. 15 illustrates a demand scheduling system (DDS), illustrated
generally at 1500, according to an aspect of the disclosure. DSS 1500 can
include a server 1502 operably coupled to an information source such as a
database 1504. According to a further aspect, server 1502 can include
portions or all of server 602 illustrated in FIG. 6, or any other server
capable of being deployed with DDS 1500. According to an aspect, database
1504 can include site data 1506, site schedule data 1508, performance
data 1510, or various other types of EMI data that can be used in
association with DSS 1500 as needed or desired. According to another
aspect, DSS 1500 can also include access to one or more external data
sources 1512. DSS 1500 can also interface with an utility company, COOP,
retail energy provider, or various other energy providers, or any
combination thereof, using one or more utility schedule interface 1514.
According to an aspect, utility scheduling interface 1514 can be a
standard interface however in other forms, utility scheduling interface
1514 can include a custom interface configurable to engage an existing
energy company's information network, infrastructure, database, or
various other components that can be used by an energy provider to access
DDS 1500.

[0259] According to a further aspect, DSS 1502 can include an aggregate
demand module 1516, a client interface 1518, a site interface 1520, or
any combination thereof. According to an aspect, client interface 1518
can be coupled to a first mobile device 1522, a second mobile device
1524, a client system 1526, or any combination thereof. For example,
client interface 1518 can be configured as a mobile client interface
operable to communicate information using a mobile network. In other
forms, client interface 1518 can be coupled to a client system 1526 using
an information network such as the Internet.

[0260] According to another aspect, DSS 1502 can include site interface
1520 configured to interface with multiple sites. For example, site
interface 1520 can be operably associated with a first site 1528 that can
be associated with mobile device 1522. In other forms, site interface
1520 can be operably associated with a second site 1530 and mobile device
1524. Site interface 1520 can also be operably associated with third site
1532 and client system 1526. Various other combinations can also be used
with DSS 1502.

[0261] During use, server 1502 can use EMI data to forecast energy use at
sites 1528, 1530, and 1532. For example, each site can include site
schedule data 1508 stored within database 1504. For example, EMUI 1000 or
another scheduling tool can be used to schedule energy use at a site.
Site 1508 schedule data can be used to determine what energy use may be
on a site-by-site basis. An aggregate demand of a specific region, zip
code, substation, grid location, etc. can also be detected. Aggregate
demand module 1516 can then detect what an aggregate level of demand and
scheduled demand can then be communicated to a utility company as needed
or desired. In this manner, scheduling data that may not have been
traditionally accessible on a site by site basis can be used to detect
energy demand and schedule energy production. For example, residential
sites traditionally use non-programmable and programmable thermostats
that do not allow for determining schedules on a site by site basis. DSS
1500 can enable access to scheduling data of each residential site to
determine an aggregate demand schedule.

[0262] According to an aspect, server 1502 can access performance data of
each site to determine scheduled energy demand. For example, historical
site data of a site can be stored within database 1504, and performance
of a participating site can be determined as performance data 1510.
According to an aspect, other EMI data can be accessed from database
1504, external data source 1512, or any combination thereof and used to
determine performance of a site. For example, current and future weather
conditions can be used to determine performance of a site. Taking weather
conditions into consideration, along with a thermal response or
characteristic of a site, a capacity to reduce energy can be determined
on a site by site basis. The overall or aggregate demand can be used by
the owner of DSS 1500 or communicated to a third party on a contractual
basis as needed or desired.

[0263] FIG. 16 illustrates a method of managing energy at a site according
to an aspect of the disclosure. Portions or all of the method of FIG. 16
can be used with portions or all of the energy management systems,
devices, or apparatuses disclosed herein, or any other type of system,
controller, device, module, processor, or any combination thereof,
operable to employ all, or portions of the method of FIG. 16.
Additionally, the method can be embodied in various types of encoded
logic including software, firmware, hardware, or other forms of digital
storage mediums, computer readable mediums, or logic, or any combination
thereof, operable to provide all, or portions, of the method of FIG. 16.

[0264] The method begins generally at block 1600. At block 1602, an
acquisition interval to acquire network device data can be detected. For
example, network device data can be acquired using a wireless energy
network having one or more network devices accessible to the wireless
energy network. For example, a wireless energy network can include
various types of wireless networks configured to communicated information
to manage energy use of a network devices accessible to the wireless
network. For example, a wireless energy network can include one or more
of any combination or portion of, IEEE 802.15-based wireless
communication, Zigbee communication, INSETEON communication, X10
communication protocol, Z-Wave communication, Bluetooth communication,
WIFI communication, IEEE 802.11-based communication, WiMAX communication,
IEEE 802.16-based communication, various proprietary wireless
communications, or any combination thereof.

[0265] At decision block 1604, the method can detect whether there an
acquisition interval may be updated. For example, an acquisition interval
can be set to a first interval (such as 1 minute, 2 minutes, 10 minutes
etc.), and can then be altered to another interval. According to an
aspect, an acquisition interval can be altered in response to a distance
a mobile device may be from a site. For example, as a user moves away
from a site, an acquisition interval can be increased (e.g. changed from
1 minute to 3 minutes). Similarly, as a mobile device move towards a
site, an acquisition interval can be decreased (e.g. changed from 3
minutes to 1 minute). Various combinations of intervals can be used as
needed or desired. If at decision block 1604 an acquisition interval has
been updated, the method can proceed to block 1606 and an updated
interval can be obtained. If at decision block 1604 an acquisition
interval has not been changed, the method can proceed to block 1608.

[0266] According to an aspect, at block 1608, device data can be acquired.
For example, device data can be obtained by sending a request to one or
more network devices joined to a wireless energy network. For example,
multiple devices can be accessed at an acquisition interval to obtain
device data. Device data can be provided in various forms and types of
information. According to an aspect, device data can include a device
identifier, a network identifier, operation data, security data, various
other types of data that can be used to manage energy use, or any
combination thereof. According to a further aspect, device data can be
formatted based on a wireless communication protocol (e.g. Zigbee, WIFI,
WiMax, etc.) being deployed as the wireless energy network.

[0267] According to another aspect, the method can be modified to detect
an availability of one or more network devices. For example, a first
network device may be accessible to a wireless energy network and may use
a first device profile to communicate information using the wireless
energy network. Additionally, a second network device may be accessible
to the wireless energy network and may use a second device profile that
may be different from the first.

[0268] Upon acquiring device data from one or more network devices, the
device data can be translated at step 1610. For example, the device data
may be formatted using a device profile, communication protocol, or
various other formats to communicate device data using a wireless energy
network. At block 1610, device data can be translated into another format
to use by another system, process, device, etc. other than the wireless
energy network. For example, Zigbee formatted data can be translated into
XML encoded data. According to another aspect, device data can be
translated to a data object, such as a Java object and the like. Various
other translations can also be used.

[0269] The method can then proceed to block 1612 and a report interval can
be detected. According to an aspect, a report interval can include an
interval that may be the same as the acquisition interval, greater than
the acquisition interval, or less than the acquisition interval.
According to a particular aspect, the report interval can be twice as
long as the acquisition interval. As such, exact timing of when to
acquire device data can be obviated as at least one data acquisition may
be available to generate a report.

[0270] At decision block 1614, if a report interval should not be updated,
the method can proceed to block 1618 as described below. If a report
interval should be updated, the method can proceed to block 1616 and an
updated report interval may be obtained. According to an aspect, a report
interval can be provided using a data acquisition interval. For example,
a report interval can be updated in association with an acquisition
interval being updated. In other forms, a report interval can be provided
and updated without an acquisition interval being updated. Various
combinations of updating a report interval, acquisition interval, or any
combination thereof can be used. Upon updating a report interval, the
method can proceed to block 1618.

[0271] According to an aspect, at block 1618 report data can be generated.
For example, report data can include data that can be provided within a
site report and can be formatted in various ways. For example, report
data can include a XML encoded data, Java objects, textual data or
various combinations thereof. According to an aspect, network device data
can be converted to a binary representation. For example, to reduce the
amount of information to be communicated, a binary representation can
include one or more binary bits within a data field that can represent
portions or all of the network device data. According to a further
aspect, report data can be stored on a device basis until a site report
can be generated.

[0272] Upon generating report data, the method can proceed to block 1620
and generates a site report. For example, a site report can include data
received from one or more network devices. In another form, site report
data can include data from another source, device, network, or any
combination thereof capable of providing data that can be used within a
site report. For example, a home controller may include a data and time
setting based on a current time zone. A network device may not have a
current or updated date and time stamp provided with the network device
data. As such, a current date and time stamp can be provided with the
site report data. In other forms, data obtained from another source (e.g.
WIFI network, AMI network, WiMax network, etc.) can be provided within a
site report. For example, a site report can include network device data
that includes a thermostat or HVAC system being placed in an `on`
condition. Additionally, an AMI network can be accessed to detect a
current energy consumption level, rate, price, savings or various other
types of information that can be provided using an AMI network. The AMI
network data can be combined with the network device data within a site
report. As such, subsequent processing of site reports can include
additional information that can be processed into a site report to manage
and report energy use at a site. Other types and combinations of EMI data
from various network locations can be included within a site report as
needed or desired.

[0273] Upon generating a site report, the method can proceed to block 1622
and a network connection can be initiated. For example, a rested web
services approach to making a network connection can be deployed to
realize increased network security at a site. For example, a home
controller can be used to initiate a network connection using a LAN,
broadband network, wireless data network, WiMax network, WIFI network, or
various other networks or combinations of networks. A specific network
location can be accessed on a secure basis using SSL or other encryption
methods. At decision block 1624, if a network may not be available, the
method can proceed to block 1626 and store the site report until the
network may become available. The method can then proceed to block 1608
as described herein. If at decision block 1624 a network location may be
available, the method can proceed to block 1630 and initiates a transfer
of a site report. According to an aspect, if multiple site reports are
available, the method can initiate a transfer of the multiple site
reports.

[0274] Upon initiating transfer of the site reports, the method can
proceed to block 1632 and can initiate processing site report data at a
network location. For example, a network location can include a server
configured to process site report data and store site report data within
a database. Additional processing of the data can be realized as needed
or desired. For example, server 602 described in FIG. 6 includes several
modules that can be used to process site report data.

[0275] Upon initiating processor of site report data, the method can
processed to decision block 1634 to detect if a control action may be
available. For example, a control action field or flag associated with a
specific site and one or more network devices can be provided within a
database or other storage location. In another form, one or more binary
values can be used to indicate if control action data be available. If
control action may be available, the method can proceed to block 1636 and
a control action can be received. For example, a control action can be
communicated during a session and can include one or more actions
associated with a network device accessible at a site. According to an
aspect, a control action can be encoded based on a profile,(e.g. Zigbee
Profile, Smart Energy Profile, Home Automation, etc.). In other forms, a
control action can be formatted as XML encoded data, HTML encoded data,
proprietary data format, or any combination thereof.

[0276] Upon receiving a control action at block 1636, or if a control
action may not be available, the method can proceed to decision block
1638 and detects if an interval should be updated. For example, a
acquisition interval, report interval, or any combination thereof can be
available. If an interval should be updated, the method can proceed to
block 1640 and one or more intervals can be received and updated.
According to an aspect, if an interval may be updated, an update flag can
be set to indicate a new or updated interval can be used. In other forms,
a current interval field can be updated with a new interval value. If at
decision block 1638, an interval may not be updated, the method can
proceed to decision block 1642 as described below.

[0277] According to an aspect, at decision block 1642 the method can
detect if an update may be available. For example, an update can include
one or more new or updated profiles that can be used at a site in
association with an energy network. In another form, a software or
firmware update can be available to update a network device, home
controller, or various other systems, apparatuses, methods, devices, or
any combination thereof that can be used at a site. If an update may be
available, the method can proceed to block 1644 and a method can be
received and processed at block 1646 as needed or desired. According to
an aspect, an update may be available at another network location. As
such, the method can be modified to include an update available flag or
data, and another network location can be accessed to receive an update.
If at decision block 1642 an update may not be available, the method can
proceed to block 1648 as needed or desired.

[0278] According to an aspect, at block 1648, the method can disconnect
from a network location and proceed to block 1650. If a control action
may have been received, the method can processor the control action data,
and proceed to block 1652 to detect a control action within the control
action data. According to an aspect, a control action can include various
combinations of actions such as obtaining or reading an operating status
or value of one or more network device attributes, altering an operating
condition of network device, updating an operating schedule of a network
device, or various other control actions as needed or desired. In another
form, control action data can be stored within a memory and deployed
based on a schedule. As such, a period of time (e.g. twelve hours, twenty
four hours, etc.) can be stored and deployed in the event of a
information network failure at a site.

[0279] Upon detecting control action data, the method can proceed to block
1654 and can process control action data. For example, if control action
data should be stored, the method can store control action data and
deploy at a later time. In another form, control action data can be
processed into a format that can be used to output network device data.
For example, control action data can be processed into one or more JAVA
objects, XML files, or other formats to include a received control action
data of a specific device. According to an aspect, a network device can
include a specific profile to access features of a network device. As
such, control action data can be processed based on a specific profile.

[0280] Upon processing control action data, the method can proceed to
block 1656 and the processed control action data can be generated into
network device data. For example, a network may be deployed to provide an
energy network at a site. As such, a protocol to communicate device data
as network device data can be deployed. In other forms, a communication
device can be coupled to a USB port, UART port, SPI port, other buses, or
combinations thereof. As such, control action data can be formatted into
a format that can be communicated using a specific bus having a wireless
network device or module coupled to a bus. For example, for example. At
block 1656 network device data can be formatted to be communicated using
a USB bus having Zigbee communication module coupled to the USB bus. In
other forms, a network device, such as a wireless WIFI device can be
coupled to a UART bus and accessed to output control action data. Upon
generating network device data, the method can proceed to block 1658 and
the network device data can be output to a communication module that can
output the control action data to the network device. The method can then
proceed to block 1660, and to block 1602 as needed or desired.

[0281] According to another aspect, the present disclosure and include an
installation system and method configured to install a system at a site.
For example, FIG. 6 described herein includes controller 626 and
thermostat 628 installed at a site 604. Installation can include
controller 626 including a serial number (not expressly illustrated in
FIG. 6), or other unique identifier. Thermostat 628 can also include a
serial number (not expressly illustrated in FIG. 6) or other unique
identifier. Upon a user or agent installing controller 626, an identifier
of controller 626, thermostat 628, or any combination thereof, can be
communicated to server 602 to authenticate site 604 and enable energy
management at site 604.

[0282] According to another aspect, an installation can include controller
626 requesting a list of valid identifiers of one or more network devices
that can be installed at site 604. For example, controller 626 can
receive a list of one or more valid network devices that may be installed
at site 604, and can validate one or more installed devices. For example,
controller 626 can detect a network device accessible using an energy
network deployed at site 604. A network device can communicate an
identifier and controller 626 can detect whether the communicated
identifier may be within the list communicated by server 602. As such, an
agent that may have an inventory of network devices, controllers, or any
combination thereof can install a controller and a network device without
having to determine a valid serial number.

[0283] According to a further aspect, an installation can include using a
mobile device including installation logic, one or more applications,
settings, or any combination thereof. For example, mobile device 632
illustrated in FIG. 6 or other mobile devices or systems can be used to
install portions or all of an energy management system at site 604. For
example, a user can deploy an energy management application on mobile
device 632 and can input a serial number or other identifier to into an
energy management application. In this manner, a user may modify network
devices installed at site 604 by for example, adding new devices,
updating new devices, deleting current devices, receiving software
updates using a serial number of an installed device, or various
combinations thereof. According to a further aspect, an installation,
settings, and the like can include prompting a user to use a GPS location
in connection with an installation and site 604. As such, a user need not
type in an address and can just select a current location to associate
mobile device 632 and site 604.

[0284] According to another aspect, an installation can include using
RFID, bar code, network scan, or various other hands-free identification
processes. For example, mobile device 632 can include an energy
management application that can include an installation or set-up that
includes reading a bar code label of controller 626, TSTAT 628, various
other network devices, or any combination thereof. For example, a user
can scan a barcode that can include a unique identifier of controller
626, TSTAT 628, or any combinations thereof. According to an aspect, a
bar code label can be affixed to a portion of a housing (not expressly
illustrated in FIG. 6). In other forms, a bar code can be accessed using
a display, such as a display of TSAT 626 or other network devices or
systems that can display one or more bar codes (e.g. outputting multiple
at a single system, network device, installation sheet or stickers,
etc.). Upon a user scanning a bar code label, the installation process
can use a network connection, such as WIFI or other wireless data
networks to communicate unique data and authenticate a system. An server,
such as server 602 can authenticate the data and activate a user's
account. According to an aspect, a user can also set a location using a
current GPS location of mobile device 632 at site 604. In this manner,
and installation process that can include authenticating or activating
software on a mobile device, a home controller, a network device, and a
server account can be coordinated in an efficient manner thereby reducing
the need to have an installation technician or other third party activate
an account. Various combinations of associating devices, systems,
controllers, mobile devices, etc. can be used to activate portions or all
of an energy network using hands-free RF, optical scanning devices, or
any combination thereof. According to a further aspect, an installation
can be modified to allow a third party technician install a system and
can include scanning one or more bar codes that may be affixed to a
network device, controller, etc. In other forms, a third party technician
can scan bar code labels or other devices and affix the labels to a
device, controller, system, etc. in association with an installation. As
such, inventory management can also be maintained in association with
installing a controller, network device, system, etc.

[0285] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general
description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific
activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may
be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in
which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they
are performed.

[0286] The specification and illustrations of the embodiments described
herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure
of the various embodiments. The specification and illustrations are not
intended to serve as an exhaustive and comprehensive description of all
of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that use the
structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be
apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure.
Other embodiments may be used and derived from the disclosure, such that
a structural substitution, logical substitution, or another change may be
made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the
disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0287] Certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context
of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described
in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or
in any sub combination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges
includes each and every value within that range.

[0288] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been
described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the
benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may
cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more
pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential
feature of any or all the claims.

[0289] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended
to cover any and all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments that fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, to
the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is
to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the
following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or
limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[0290] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in
detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many
modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
embodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims.
In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the
structures described herein as performing the recited function and not
only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.